Many Australians only visit their GP when something is wrong. But some of the most valuable appointments are the ones where nothing seems to be the matter — health assessments are a perfect example. These structured consultations are designed to identify risk factors and health issues before they become serious problems. At Camberwell Health in Camberwell, health assessments are available and bulk billed for eligible patients.
What Is a Health Assessment?
A health assessment is a comprehensive consultation with your GP that takes a broad look at your overall physical and mental health. Rather than focusing on a specific symptom or illness, the aim is to get a complete picture of where your health is at, identify any risks or concerns, and put a plan in place to keep you well.
Health assessments are not the same as a regular GP appointment. They are longer, more structured, and designed to cover a wide range of health factors in a systematic way.
Who Is Eligible for a Medicare-Funded Health Assessment?
Medicare funds specific health assessments for certain patient groups. The most common ones available through general practice are:
45 to 49 Year Health Check: Available to adults aged 45 to 49 who are at risk of developing a Chronic condition. This assessment looks at lifestyle factors, family history, weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, and other risk markers. If you’re in this age group and haven’t had this check, it’s worth asking your GP about it.
75+ Health Assessment: Available annually to adults aged 75 and over. This assessment is more comprehensive and looks at physical function, cognition, falls risk, medication management, social circumstances, and quality of life, in addition to general health indicators.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Assessment: Available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients of any age, designed to address the specific health needs and risk factors relevant to this community.
Heart Health Check: Available to patients aged 45 and over (or 30 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients) to assess cardiovascular risk over the next five years.
Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment: Available to patients at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Your GP can advise which assessments you’re eligible for based on your age, health history, and circumstances.
What Happens During a Health Assessment?
The specifics vary depending on which assessment you’re having, but most health assessments cover some or all of the following:
- Medical history review
- Blood pressure, heart rate, and weight measurements
- Blood tests to check cholesterol, blood glucose, kidney function, and other markers
- Lifestyle discussion covering diet, physical activity, alcohol use, and smoking
- Mental health and wellbeing screening
- Medication review
- Immunisation status check
- Cancer screening reminders (such as bowel cancer, breast screening, and cervical screening)
- Falls risk and functional assessment for older patients
At the end of your assessment, your GP will discuss the findings with you and, where relevant, put together a management plan or refer you to other health professionals such as a dietitian, physiotherapist, or specialist.
Why Are Health Assessments So Valuable?
The value of a health assessment lies in early detection. Many chronic conditions — including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and some cancers — develop gradually and may not cause obvious symptoms in the early stages. Identifying risk factors before symptoms appear means there’s more time to intervene and more management options.
For older adults, health assessments also provide an opportunity to review medications (which can accumulate and interact over time), assess memory and cognition, and address issues like falls prevention and social connectedness — all factors that have a significant impact on quality of life.
How to Book a Health Assessment at Camberwell Health
Health assessments are longer appointments, so when you book, please let our reception team know that you’d like to schedule a health assessment rather than a standard consultation. This ensures your GP has enough time set aside.
If you’re based in Camberwell, Surrey Hills, Hawthorn East, Balwyn, Glen Iris, or Canterbury, book online through HotDoc or call us on (03) 9882 0055. Our team will confirm your eligibility and help you get booked in.