If you are aged 75 years and older and live at home, you are eligible for a bulk-billed annual health assessment. In other words, this health check is provided at no cost.
An annual health assessment will identify ways that you can improve your health and well being. For instance, it will help you by advising you on how you can maintain your independence at home and in your community.
Importantly, the purpose of this health assessment is to help identify any risk factors that may require further health management. In addition to assessing a person’s health status, a health assessment is used to identify a broad range of factors that influence a person’s physical, psychological and social functioning.
Our friendly and professional nurse will undertake a comprehensive and confidential health check.
Annual health assessment
The annual health assessment involves:
- information collection, including taking a patient history and undertaking or arranging examinations and investigations as required;
- making an overall assessment of the patient;
- recommending appropriate interventions;
- providing advice and information to the patient;
- keeping a record of the health assessment, and offering the patient a written report about the health assessment, with recommendations about matters covered by the health assessment; and
- offering the patient’s carer (if any, and if the GP considers it appropriate and the patient agrees) a copy of the report or extracts of the report relevant to the carer.
Components of the health assessment
Specific components of the health check includes an assessment of the patient’s:
- medication;
- continence;
- immunisation status for influenza, tetanus and pneumococcus;
- physical function, including the patient’s activities of daily living, and whether or not the patient has had a fall in the last 3 months;
- psychological function, including the patient’s cognition and mood; and
- social function, including the availability and adequacy of paid and unpaid help, and whether the patient is responsible for caring for another person.
Furthermore, the assessment also includes:
- measurement of the patient’s blood pressure, pulse rate and rhythm;
In addition, the nurse undertaking the health assessment may also consider:
- any need the patient may have for community services;
- social isolation of the patient;
- the patient’s oral health and dentition; and
- the patient’s nutrition status.
Above all, our nurse will work closely with you and your General Practitioner. Therefore, our nurse will co-ordinate any necessary follow up consultations or supports to help you manage your health in the future. This health assessment is provided at no cost.
In conclusion, if you are aged 75 years or older, speak to our practice manager or your doctor today to book your annual health assessment.
