Have you ever been to your doctor for a Health Assessment?

There are several assessments available to cater for patients’ particular needs and circumstances.

They’re also a good preventative measure to keep an eye on your current health and identify any risks that may be present or likely in the future.

Why would I need a Health Assessment?

During a Health Assessment the doctor has more time to go into detail regarding your history, your investigation results, your family history,  and the things you could be doing to improve your health. There are several situations that may arise that make a health assessment more desirable: e.g. your age and certain risks associated with this. You may have a family history that requires a level of screening that can be done through an assessment.

Circumstances where you may need an assessment with your GP can include:

• General, annual health checks, for women, men and children
• For women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Those who may suffer from a chronic illness
• People between the age of 45 and 49 who are at risk of developing a chronic disease
• Workplace health assessments
• Mental health changes
• Patients living in an aged care facility
• Patients with an intellectual disability
• People aged 40 to 49 years with a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes
• Older patients who require closer care, in particular patients 75 years and older
• Humanitarian entrants who are resident in Australia with access to Medicare services including Refugees and Special Humanitarian Program
• Protection Program entrants and former serving members of the Australian Defence Force including former members of permanent and reserve force

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Health Assessment are available to:

• Children between ages of 0 and 14 years
• Adults between the ages of 15 and 54 years
• Older people over the age of 55 years

What’s involved in a Health Assessment

Your GP will ask you a range of questions in regards to your general and mental
health and the specific reasons behind your booking. It may be because of your age, certain family history or just because something doesn’t feel right and you want to get it checked out.

Your GP will generally,

• Ask about your lifestyle ie: if you smoke, your weight, alcohol consumption
• Ask about any medication you may be taking
• Take your blood pressure
• Order any blood tests, scans or other tests
• Talk to you about your mental health
• Answer any questions that you may have
• Keep a record of everything for future reference
• Give you recommendations or even a referral to see another health
  professional

It can sound like a lot to get through, but it’s really about your quality of life and a good opportunity to bring up anything you want to talk about. Your GP has your health and wellbeing as their main focus and a health assessment can often be the best way to tell them how you’re feeling.

Maybe you want to start a new exercise regime and want to get everything down on
paper so you can address any issues that need assessing? A health assessment can put you in the best place to put your best foot forward!

What happens after my assessment?

If your assessment identifies any issues or avenues you need to take to improve your overall health and wellbeing, you’ll usually need to have another appointment to make a plan or receive any test results.

To ensure maximum benefit, your GP may want to see you on a twelve-monthly cycle to assess how you’re doing.

As always, the first step is to book in and get that help; you owe it to yourself and those who love you to be proactive with your health.

They’re not just about the physical…

Even though the majority of health assessments conducted are in relation to a patient’s physical needs, they’re also there to help with your mental health needs as well. Your GP can do a basic assessment and talk to you about your current state of mental health and any questions you may have. This may involve a physical examination as well, after which, your GP may refer you to another health professional, such as a psychologist for a more in-depth assessment.

Important things to tell your GP are:

• Any particular reason for your Health Assessment
• If you’re trying to get pregnant
• Any relevant medical, family history
• Any medication you may be on
• How you’re feeling, physically and mentally

You’re not alone and there’s help available to get you to your best.
If you would like to book in for a Health Assessment, book online or call 03 9363 0954