HEALTH CHECKS

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

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Blood Pressure

Raised blood pressure (Hypertension) is an important risk factor for heart disease, strokes and kidney disease. We recommend adults should get their blood pressure checked each year.

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Diabetes

1.7 millions Australians are living with diabetes which has been described as the epidemic of the 21st century. In 2013, diabetes caused 5.1 million deaths globally. Diabetes can, for many years, cause no symptoms but all the while be causing irreparable damage to your body. Those overweight, over 40 or of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander/Pacific Island/Indian Subcontinent ethnicity should be tested annually for diabetes.

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Cholesterol

Raised cholesterol increases the risk of heart disease, strokes and kidney disease and should be checked every 2 years once you are 45.​

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Cardiovascular Risk Assessment

A cardiovascular risk assessment combines blood pressure, cholesterol and your diabetes and smoking status to work out your risk of developing heart disease or having a stroke. This should be calculated every 2 years from the age of 45.

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Kidney Disease Checks

Our kidneys can gradually stop working for a number of reasons (including because of diabetes, hypertension, various medications and smoking). We recommend checking for this every 5 years from the age of 50.

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Skin Checks

Skin cancer affects 2 out of 3 Australians at some time in their lives. You should have a skin check every year.

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Cervical Screening Test

The Cervical Screening Test which has replaced the Pap Smear should be done every 5 years (or 2 years if your last test was a Pap Smear) from the age of 25.

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Bowel Cancer Screening

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

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Breast Cancer Screening

Women should have a mammogram every 2 years over the age of 50.

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General Health Checks

At Bellbird Medical Centre, we have a strong commitment to preventative medicine and recommend seeing your GP to discuss what check-ups are appropriate for you. In addition we recommend a Prolonged Health Assessment (PHA) for everyone aged 45-49 and over 70. Included in this assessment is:

• Body measurements taken – height, weight, BP, pulse etc

• Pathology blood test including levels of cholesterol, diabetes, liver, kidney disease, prostate cancer

• Hearing assessment

• Vision assessment

• Lung function assessment

• Skin check

• Lifestyle assessment – mental health, family medical history, current lifestyle

• Resting ECG

The Prolonged Health Assessment (PHA) is completely covered by Medicare (Bulk-Billed) and requires minimum 20 minute appointment. Please inform the reception should you require a longer appointment.