HEALTH CHECKS

The regulations for screening and preventive health activities across different ages and for different patient populations e.g. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, refugees can be read in the RACGP red book (https://www.racgp.org.au/clinical-resources/clinical-guidelines/key-racgp-guidelines/view-all-racgp-guidelines/red-book)

Blood Pressure

A significant risk factor for kidney disease, heart disease, and strokes is raised blood pressure also known as Hypertension. It is recommended for adults to check their blood pressure each year. ​

Diabetes

Innumerable individuals have been inflicted with diabetes. Though, for many years, there are no symptoms, it can cause significant damage to the human body. It is advised for those who are over the age of 40, overweight, or of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander/Pacific Island/Indian Subcontinent ethnicity get themselves tested on an annual basis for diabetes. ​

Cholesterol

As the risk of strokes, heart disease, and kidney disease increases with raised cholesterol levels, it is recommended to check these levels for individuals over 45 years of age.

Cardiovascular Risk Assessment

In order to calculate the risk of an individual developing heart disease or the likelihood of them experiencing a stroke, a cardiovascular risk assessment is required to be calculated every 2 years after the age of 45. The assessment combines cholesterol level, blood pressure, smoking status, as well as diabetes to estimate the risk of stroke or heart disease. ​

Kidney Disease Checks

Due to reasons such as diabetes, hypertension, smoking as well as medications, an individual’s kidneys can eventually stop working efficiently. Thus, it is advised to check your kidney function every 5 years after turning 50.

Skin Checks

Skin cancer is a very real possibility. Every 2 out of 3 people stand at risk of developing skin cancer at some point of time in their lives. Thus, it is advisable to get a skin check done each year.

Cervical Screening Test

The Pap Smear is now replaced by the Cervical Screening Test. This test should be performed ever 5 years from the age of 25. However, if your last test was a Pap Smear, this test should be taken post 2 years.

Bowel Cancer Screening

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

Breast Cancer Screening

Post 50 years of age, ever woman should have a mammogram every 2 years.

General Health Checks

At North Blackburn Square Clinic, we believe in preventative medicine. Thus, we recommend visiting your GP to discuss the appropriate check-ups for you. Moreover, it is recommended for individual aged 45-49 and those over 70 years of age to get a Prolonged Health Assessment (PHA). This assessment entails:

  • BP, pulse, height, weight, as well as other body measurements
  • Pathology blood test including levels of cholesterol, diabetes, liver, kidney disease, prostate cancer
  • Skin check
  • Hearing assessment
  • Lung function assessment
  • Vision assessment
  • Resting ECG
  • Lifestyle assessment entailing current lifestyle, mental health, family medical history, 

The Prolonged Health Assessment (PHA) is completely covered by Medicare. Thus, it is bulk billed. The assessment requires a minimum 20-minute appointment. If you require a longer appointment, kindly let the reception know.

Women’s Health