What is a Health assessment?
An annual health assessment can make a real difference in keeping people healthy and strong. But only about 30% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are getting their health check.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can get a free health assessment once a year, as well as free follow-up care if needed. This helps keep people healthy by identifying risks of ill health early to prevent chronic conditions from developing.
If you identify as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person and have a Medicare card, you can get a free health assessment every year. This health assessment is important. It can help identify whether you’re at risk of illnesses or chronic conditions. It’s much easier to prevent these than to treat them, so catching them early can make a big difference.
If you have a chronic condition, your health assessment can help make sure you are getting the medication and care you need. You can also ask your doctor about anything you’re worried about or need help with. Your doctor can only do this health assessment if you agree. You can have it every 9 to 12 months, and it’s free here at Galambila.
After your health assessment, your doctor can refer you to up to 10 free follow-up services if needed, such as:
- a specialist or another health service
- a counsellor
- a service that works to prevent chronic conditions
If you can, try to go to the same doctor each time, as they know about your health needs.
What happens at your free annual health assessment
Your health assessment can take up to an hour. As well as the doctor, you might also see a nurse, or an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander health worker/practitioner. Your check will depend on your age and circumstances, but your health professional might:
- check your blood pressure
- check blood sugar levels
- measure your height and weight
- do a blood test
- do a urine test
- ask about the health of your family
- talk to you about your health priorities and goals
- do other tests, as needed.
Remember that it’s your health assessment, so tell your Aboriginal Health Worker / Practitioner about any worries you have. Your doctor will write down information from your health assessment and will let you know if you need any follow-up care to look after your health, and where you need to go for that care. They might suggest services to help you with your:
- heart
- vision
- hearing
- movement
- mental health
If you have a Health Care Card, and have or are at risk of having a chronic condition, you might also get free or discounted medicines. We also have Brokerage and Care Coordination & Supplementary Services (CCSS) available too.
Call us to book in for your Health Assessment today.
