Kalwun provides and recommends a free annual health assessment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients.
With a higher susceptibility to chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart, lung and kidney diseases, it’s even more important for community to reduce the potential for and impacts of chronic diseases. Getting a health assessment regularly is the first step. Having an assessment every 9-12 months means a clinic can build a picture of health and measure changes in a client’s wellbeing – helping to prevent chronic disease from become reality, and reducing the impact of existing chronic disease, while providing ongoing health management and support.
The Medicare Health Assessment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, also known as the 715 Health Check, is an overall check of your health completed with you by a nurse or Aboriginal Health Worker and then reviewed by your GP.
What happens in a health assessment?
The health assessment will include a review of:
- your general health (e.g. blood pressure, weight, height, diet, physical activity)
- eyesight
- hearing
- blood tests (if required)
- social and emotional wellbeing
- medication you may be taking
- immunisation status
- advice and information, for example on how to make lifestyle changes to improve your health or prevent health issues.
What happens after a health assessment?
After your assessment you will be advised of any follow-up appointments needed and helped to access any relevant allied health services.
Eligibility
All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of any age can have a health check.
How to access the service
Health assessments are recommended every 9-12 months. Make an appointment with your local Kalwun health clinic to arrange an appointment with the GP.
