HEALTH CHECKs at The woods medical centre

100% Free Health Check

Bulk-billed comprehensive health check for eligible patients

Taking proactive steps for your health is crucial, and at The Woods Medical Centre, we make it easy with a bulk-billed comprehensive health assessment for eligible patients! These checks are a great way to stay on top of your well-being, catch potential issues early, and ensure you’re on the right path for a healthy life.

Do i qualify for a health check?

Who qualifies for a free health check?

Aged 45-49 years

If you’re in this age group and have one or more risk factors for chronic disease, you might be eligible for a once-off health check.

- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- A family history of conditions like heart disease and diabetes
- Lifestyle factors such as smoking, an unhealthy diet, physical inactivity or alcohol misuse.

Aged 50 - 74 years

If you’re in this age group, there is no specific general health check, but please see other health assessments and government subsidised help in the white box further down this page.

Aged 75 years and over

Good news! All Australians aged 75 and above are eligible for an annual comprehensive health assessment.

A yearly check-up is a great way to ensure ongoing health and vitality.

We are currently accepting new patients and look forward to continuing to care for our existing ones.

Our GPs are here to support you, whether it’s for routine check-ups, specialised medical services, or preventive health strategies.

Why is a health check so important?

Think of it as your personalised health roadmap!

This assessment is a valuable opportunity to:

Have a in-depth conversation with your GP
Talk about your overall health, lifestyle habits, and medical history.
Identify potential health risks
Doing this early, even before symptoms even appear is a pro-active approach to any health concerns you may have.
Receive personalised advice
Develop a tailor-made strategy with your GP to manage your health effectively.

Early detection and management of health issues can lead to significantly better outcomes, helping you live a healthier, happier life!

What's Involved in a 45-49 Year Old Health Check?

This comprehensive check-up is designed to give you and your doctor a clear picture of your current health and any potential risks for chronic diseases. During your appointment, your doctor will typically:

Discuss your medical history

This includes personal and family medical history, focusing on conditions like heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and certain cancers.

Review lifestyle factors

You’ll talk about your diet, physical activity levels, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and any stress you might be experiencing. These factors play a significant role in chronic disease risk.

Perform a physical examination

This may include checking your blood pressure, height, weight, and waist circumference.

Order relevant tests (if needed)

Depending on your risk factors and discussion, your doctor might recommend blood tests for cholesterol, blood sugar (to check for diabetes), or kidney function.

Assess your risk of developing chronic diseases

Your doctor will use all the gathered information to evaluate your risk for conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease.

Develop a personalised preventative health plan

Based on the findings, your doctor will work with you to create a plan to reduce your risks. This might include:

Advice on lifestyle modifications
(e.g., dietary changes, exercise recommendations).
Referrals to other health professionals
(e.g., dietitians, physiotherapists, Quitline).
Discussion about relevant screening tests you might need in the future.

Heart Health Checks

Who
Generally from 45 years (or 30 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people).
What
Assesses your risk of heart attack and stroke, including blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and lifestyle factors.

Other Common Checks

Type 2 Diabetes Risk
Assessment using questionnaires and blood tests.
Skin Checks
Recommended for all due to high skin cancer rates, frequency based on individual risk.
Blood Pressure & Cholesterol Checks
Regular checks recommended, frequency varies by age and risk.
Osteoporosis Risk / Bone Density (DEXA)
Discuss with GP, especially for women from menopause, men from 70, or those at high risk.
Eye and Hearing Checks
Regular checks recommended, especially with increasing age.

What's Involved in a Health Check for Patients Aged 75 and Over?

For Australians aged 75 and above, an annual comprehensive health assessment is a vital tool for maintaining independence, managing health conditions, and ensuring a good quality of life.

Unlike the once-off 45-49 assessment, this check-up is designed to be a yearly review to support your ongoing well-being.

When you attend your assessment, your doctor will focus on a holistic view of your health, typically covering:

Comprehensive medical review

Medication Review
A thorough check of all your current medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements, to ensure they are appropriate, effective, and not causing adverse interactions.
Chronic Disease Management
Discussion and review of any existing chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, osteoporosis) to ensure they are well-managed.
Medical History Update
An update on any new diagnoses, hospitalisations, or significant health events since your last check-up.

Physical and functional assessment

Physical Examination
This may include checking blood pressure, heart rate, weight, and assessing various body systems.
Mobility and Balance
An assessment of your ability to move safely and independently, identifying any fall risks.
Sensory Checks
A review of your vision and hearing, as these can impact daily life and safety.
Continence Assessment
A discussion about bladder and bowel control, which can be managed effectively with the right support.

Cognitive and emotional well-being

Cognitive Function Screening
Simple tests or discussions to assess memory and other cognitive abilities, identifying any concerns early.
Mood Assessment
A check on your emotional well-being and mental health, addressing any feelings of loneliness, anxiety, or depression.

Lifestyle and social factors

Nutrition and Diet
Discussion about your eating habits to ensure you’re getting adequate nutrition.
Physical Activity
Review of your current activity levels and advice on safe exercises suitable for your age and health.
Social Support and Home Environment
Discussion about your living situation, social connections, and any support services you might need to live comfortably and safely at home. This is particularly relevant for maintaining independence.
Safety in the Home
Identifying potential hazards in your home environment that could increase the risk of falls or other accidents.

Preventative health planning

Based on the assessment, your doctor will work with you to develop a personalised care plan. This might include:

Adjustments to medications or treatments.
Referrals to other allied health professionals (e.g., physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dietitians, podiatrists).
Recommendations for vaccinations (e.g., flu, pneumonia, shingles).
Discussion about future care planning and advance care directives, if appropriate.

This annual assessment is a valuable opportunity to openly discuss all aspects of your health with your trusted GP, ensuring you receive the comprehensive support needed to enjoy a fulfilling and active life.

Prioritise Your Health!

If you’d like to nominate The Woods Medical Clinic as your preferred GP, click here.

Other Screening Programs in Western Australia

Cancer Screening Programs

These national programs aim to reduce illness and death from specific cancers:

National Bowel Cancer Screening Program

Who
All Australians aged 45-74 years.
What
Free, at-home test kit (FIT), every two years
Find out more here
www.health.gov.au/our-work/national-bowel-cancer-screening-program

Breast Screen Australia

Who
Women aged 40 and over.
What
Free mammograms every two years.
Note
Actively targets women aged 50-74 years with invitations; 40-49 and 75+ are eligible but need to book themselves.
Find out more here
https://www.breastscreen.health.wa.gov.au/

National Cervical Screening Program

Who
Women and people with a cervix aged 25-74 years.
What
Cervical Screening Test (CST) every five years to detect HPV.
Find out more here
https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/national-cervical-screening-program

Don't wait! To find out if you're eligible and to book your FREE Health Assessment.

Make an appointment with your regular doctor at The Woods Medical Centre.

📞 Call us today on (08) 9245 1912
💻 Book online!

We look forward to helping you take control of your health!

TL;DR

Chronic Disease & General Health Checks

These checks are often done with your GP and are Medicare-funded:

45-49 Year Old Health Check:
- Who: Once-off check for those with one or more risk factors for chronic disease (e.g., high blood pressure, high cholesterol, family history, lifestyle factors like smoking, poor diet).
- What: Comprehensive assessment to identify risks and create a preventative plan.
75 Years and Over Health Assessment:
- Who: All Australians aged 75 and above.
- What: Annual comprehensive assessment focusing on maintaining independence, managing conditions, mobility, medications, and social support.