Health assessments in South Morang
Yes. Lakes Boulevard Medical offers the Medicare health assessments for people aged 75 or over, people aged 45 to 49 who are at risk of a chronic condition, and people aged 40 to 49 at high risk of type 2 diabetes. It's an in-depth check-up of your whole health that ends with a plan to help you stay well. Bulk billed for Medicare-eligible patients.
What is a health assessment?
A health assessment is a planned, longer appointment that covers your health as a whole rather than one concern. Medicare pays for it for certain age groups. It's a chance to pick up risks early, get up to date with checks that are due, and agree with your GP on steps to keep you healthy.
Who can have a health assessment?
It depends on how old you are and on your health. Medicare funds these assessments for adults:
| Assessment | Who it's for | How often |
|---|---|---|
| 75 and over | People 75 or older who live in the community | Every 12 months |
| 45 to 49 | People 45 to 49 at risk of developing a chronic condition | Once |
| Type 2 diabetes risk (40 to 49) | People 40 to 49 with a high score on the AUSDRISK questionnaire | Every 3 years |
If you're 45 to 49, the 45 to 49 assessment is usually the better fit, as it's broader. Your GP will help you pick the right one.
Curious about your diabetes risk? Try the AUSDRISK questionnaire online (opens in a new tab), or ask your GP about it.
Three-year-olds can have their own once-off check, explained in our Healthy Kids Check guide. Health assessments can't be done while you're a hospital inpatient.
Unsure if you're eligible? Ring reception on (03) 9436 0966 or raise it at your next appointment.
What does a health assessment cover?
For people 75 and over
Along with your medical health, your GP looks at how everyday life is going for you, including:
- Your health history and the medicines you take
- Walking, balance and the chance of a fall
- Hearing, vision and bladder or bowel control
- Memory, mood and how you're feeling in yourself
- Your living situation, the help you have and whether you feel safe at home
For people 45 to 49
Your GP reviews your health, habits and family history to see how likely you are to develop a chronic condition, and works with you on a plan to reduce that risk.
Type 2 diabetes risk check (40 to 49)
This assessment is for people whose AUSDRISK score was high, done in the 3 months before the visit. Your GP reviews your answers and history, checks measurements such as blood pressure and weight, orders any tests needed, and talks with you about realistic changes that can bring your risk down.
What happens at a health assessment?
- Book. Book online or ring reception, and tell us it's a health assessment so a longer appointment is set aside.
- History and checks. Your health history, measurements and screening questions are covered. [To be confirmed: whether a practice nurse does part of the health assessment at Lakes Boulevard]
- Time with your GP. Your GP goes through the results with you and discusses anything that needs follow-up.
- Your plan. You agree on a plan for staying well and any next steps.
We're Open 7 days, evenings until 10pm Monday to Thursday, which can make it easier to fit in a longer appointment. How long to allow: [To be confirmed: health assessment appointment length at Lakes Boulevard].
What should I bring?
- Your Medicare card
- A list of the medicines you take, including vitamins and supplements
- Recent test results or letters from other doctors
- Names of other doctors and health professionals involved in your care
- Notes on any concerns about memory, mood or mobility
- For the type 2 diabetes risk check, your AUSDRISK result from the past 3 months
You're welcome to bring a family member or carer.
What happens after the assessment?
Your GP talks you through the findings and what comes next. That could include:
- Blood tests, often collected on site by Dorevitch Pathology (Mon to Fri 8:00am to 3:00pm, Sat 8:30am to 12:00pm)
- Screening tests or vaccinations you're due for
- A referral to a physiotherapist, dietitian, audiologist or other health professional, some of whom work from our building (allied health)
- A chronic condition care plan if you live with a long-term condition
- Tips on avoiding falls, keeping active and staying safe at home
Is a health assessment bulk billed?
Bulk billed for Medicare-eligible patients. Some procedures have an out-of-pocket fee. Without a valid Medicare card, the full fee applies.
Medicare sets the eligibility for each assessment, as shown above. Reception can check this with you when you book.
Book with your usual GP
Which of our GPs do health assessments: [To be confirmed: which GPs do health assessments]. If you already have a regular GP here, booking with them means the assessment is done by someone who knows your history. Find a service.
Health assessment questions
Yes, if you meet Medicare's criteria. We provide the assessments for people 75 and over, people 45 to 49 at risk of a chronic condition, and people 40 to 49 at high risk of type 2 diabetes.
Bulk billed for Medicare-eligible patients. Some procedures have an out-of-pocket fee. Without a valid Medicare card, the full fee applies.
Every 12 months once you turn 75, each year.
Most likely the 45 to 49 assessment, which you can have once if you're at risk of a chronic condition. Your GP will confirm the right one.
It's a brief set of questions that estimates how likely you are to develop type 2 diabetes in the next 5 years. If you're 40 to 49 with a high score, Medicare covers a type 2 diabetes risk assessment every 3 years.
Longer than a regular appointment. [To be confirmed: health assessment appointment length at Lakes Boulevard]
Yes. A family member or carer is welcome, and it can help to have a second person listening.
Yes. Three-year-olds can have the Medicare Healthy Kids Check, once. Read our Healthy Kids Check guide for details.