Health checks: what they are and when to have one
A health check is a chance to look at the whole picture, not just whatever brought you in today. Some checks are tied to your age or risk, and several are supported by Medicare. Here's what they involve, who they're for, and how to get the most out of one.
What is a health check?
A health check is a planned GP visit to review how you're going and to look for issues early, before they cause symptoms. Your GP asks about your history and lifestyle, checks things like blood pressure and weight, arranges any useful tests, and talks through your risk of common conditions. It's a chance to step back from the day-to-day and think about the bigger picture of your health.
Unlike a visit for a specific problem, a health check is deliberately broad. It's often where quietly rising numbers, like blood pressure or cholesterol, first come to light, which is exactly the point: finding them early usually means simpler steps to manage them.
Which health checks are funded by Medicare?
Medicare supports several checks tied to life stage and risk. These include a one-off health check around ages 45 to 49 for people at risk of chronic disease, a Heart Health Check from age 45, an annual health assessment for people aged 75 and over, and care plans for people living with an ongoing condition. Your GP can tell you which ones you're eligible for and arrange them.
- Ages 45 to 49: a one-off check for people at risk of chronic disease, aimed at heading things off early.
- From age 45: a Heart Health Check that looks at your overall risk of heart disease and stroke.
- 75 and over: an annual health assessment covering your health, safety and independence at home.
- Ongoing conditions: chronic-disease care plans that coordinate your care and can support access to allied health.
Eligibility and how these are billed can vary, so it's worth asking at reception or with your GP when you book.
What happens during a health check?
Most health checks follow a similar shape. Your GP talks with you about your history, family history and lifestyle, does some simple measurements, may arrange blood tests or other investigations, and then discusses what the results mean for you. You'll usually leave with a short plan: things to keep an eye on, any follow-up needed, and when to come back.
Some checks are done in one visit, while others work best over two, one to gather information and arrange tests, and a second to go through the results together. Neither is better; it just depends on what's being looked at.
How should I prepare for a health check?
A little preparation makes the visit more useful. Jot down your questions and any symptoms, bring a list of your current medicines, and know your family history if you can. If blood tests are likely, ask when you book whether you need to fast. Most of all, come ready to talk honestly, since the more your GP knows, the more helpful the check will be.
The best health check is a two-way conversation. Your questions and honest answers are as valuable as any measurement.
Due for a check?
Book a GP visit to review your health and plan any checks.
How Sirius Health can help
Our Chatswood GPs provide health checks and assessments across every life stage, and can put together a care plan if you're managing an ongoing condition. Start with a general practice appointment. If a check turns up something to work on, our guides on high cholesterol and high blood pressure explain what the numbers mean and what genuinely helps. We consult in English, Cantonese and Mandarin.
Sources: healthdirect, Health checks; Australian Government Department of Health, Medicare health assessments; Heart Foundation, Heart Health Check.