Health Checks

Like cars we need a service every so often to check everything is running smoothly under the bonnet - the frequency of checks below is as recommended by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners but is just a guide and we will adapt this with you to meet your particular needs:

Blood Pressure

Raised blood pressure (Hypertension) is an important risk factor for heart disease, strokes and kidney disease. We recommend adults should get their blood pressure checked each year.

Diabetes

1.7 millions Australians are living with diabetes which has been described as the epidemic of the 21st century. In 2013, diabetes caused 5.1 million deaths globally. Diabetes can, for many years, cause no symptoms but all the while be causing irreparable damage to your body. Those overweight, over 40 or of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander/Pacific Island/Indian Subcontinent ethnicity should be tested annually for diabetes.

Cholesterol

Raised cholesterol increases the risk of heart disease, strokes and kidney disease and should be checked every 2 years once you are 45.

Cardiovascular Risk Assessment

A cardiovascular risk assessment combines blood pressure, cholesterol and your diabetes and smoking status to work out your risk of developing heart disease or having a stroke. This should be calculated every 2 years from the age of 45.

Kidney Disease Checks

Our kidneys can gradually stop working for a number of reasons (including because of diabetes, hypertension, various medications and smoking). We recommend checking for this every 5 years from the age of 50.

Skin Checks

Skin cancer affects 2 out of 3 Australians at some time in their lives. You should have a skin check every year.

Cervical Screening Test

The Cervical Screening Test which has replaced the Pap Smear should be done every 5 years (or 2 years if your last test was a Pap Smear) from the age of 25.

Bowel Cancer Screening

Bowel cancer screening with the faecal occult blood test should be performed every 2 years from the age of 50.

Breast Cancer Screening

Women should have a mammogram every 2 years over the age of 40.

Prolonged Health Assessments

A Prolonged Health Assessment (PHA) is a good way of obtaining a thorough check up and is available for everyone aged 45-49 and over 75. Included in this assessment is:

Body measurements taken – height, weight, BP, pulse etc
Pathology blood test including levels of cholesterol, diabetes, liver, kidney disease, prostate cancer
Hearing assessment
Vision assessment
Lung function assessment
Skin check
Lifestyle assessment – mental health, family medical history, current lifestyle
Resting ECG or Exercise stress test
60 minute doctor appointment to review the above and discuss any additional areas of concern you may have

The PHA is completely covered by Medicare (Bulk-Billed)