Preventive Health & Health Assessments
Preventive Health & Health Assessments in Wollongong
You don’t have to be unwell to see a GP. In fact, one of the most valuable things a GP can do is help you understand where your health stands before problems arise. At Wollongong Doctors, preventive health assessments and medical check-ups are available as part of our general practice services, giving you the opportunity to discuss your health, review relevant screenings, and take an informed approach to your wellbeing.
What Is Preventive Health Care?
Preventive health care refers to the assessment and management of health risks before symptoms or conditions develop or progress. In general practice, this commonly involves health check-ups, relevant screenings, immunisations, lifestyle discussions, and the management of
risk factors that may be relevant to your long-term health.
Preventive health care is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Your GP will consider your age, gender, family history, lifestyle, and individual health circumstances when discussing which assessments or screenings may be relevant to you.
Health Assessments at Our Wollongong Clinic
At Wollongong Doctors, health assessments are conducted as part of a GP consultation. Your doctor will take the time to review your medical history, current health status, and any relevant risk factors, and discuss any assessments, screenings, or follow-up that may be appropriate for your individual circumstances.
Types of Health Assessments Available
Wollongong Doctors offers a range of health assessments as part of general practice care. These may include:
General Health Check-Ups
A general health check-up involves a review of your overall health, including blood pressure, weight, lifestyle factors, and any symptoms or concerns you may have. Your GP may request pathology testing or discuss relevant screenings as part of this assessment.
Medicare-Funded Health Assessments
Medicare provides funding for specific health assessments for eligible patients. These include:
- 45 to 49 Year Old Health Assessment: a health check available to patients aged 45 to 49 who are at risk of developing a chronic condition, aimed at identifying risk factors and discussing management options
- 75 and Older Health Assessment: a comprehensive health assessment for patients aged 75 and over, covering physical health, medications, mobility, and social circumstances
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Assessment: a dedicated health assessment available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients of any age
Your GP will advise whether you are eligible for a Medicare-funded health assessment based on your individual circumstances.
Chronic Disease Risk Assessment
For patients with risk factors such as high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, a family history of cardiovascular disease, or lifestyle factors relevant to chronic disease, your GP may discuss a more detailed assessment of your individual risk profile and any management options that may be appropriate.
Skin Cancer Checks
Skin checks are available at Wollongong Doctors as part of a GP consultation. Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, and a skin check may be worth discussing with your GP, particularly if you have a history of sun exposure, unusual skin changes, or a family history of skin cancer.
Immunisations and Vaccinations
Keeping vaccinations up to date is an important part of preventive health care for patients of all ages. Your GP can review your immunisation history and discuss whether any vaccinations may be relevant based on your age, health status, or individual circumstances.
Mental Health Assessment
Mental health is an important part of overall wellbeing. If you have concerns about your mental health, or if your GP considers a mental health assessment relevant during a consultation, this can be arranged as part of your care at Wollongong Doctors
Women's Health Screening
Women’s health screenings, including cervical screening and relevant hormonal or reproductive health assessments, are available as part of GP consultations at our clinic.
Men's Health Check
Men’s health check-ups, including relevant screening discussions and lifestyle assessments, are available as part of a GP consultation.
Paediatric Health and Development Checks
Health and developmental assessments for children, including immunisations and growth monitoring, are available at Wollongong Doctors.
What to Expect During a Health Assessment
A health assessment at Wollongong Doctors is a straightforward GP consultation. Your visit may include:
- GP Consultation: Your doctor will discuss your current health, medical history, family history, medications, and any lifestyle factors relevant to your health.
- Physical Assessment: Depending on the type of health check, your GP may check blood pressure, weight, and other relevant clinical measures.
- Pathology Request: If blood tests or other pathology are considered appropriate, your
GP will provide a request form. Pathology is available onsite at our clinic. - Health Discussion: Your GP will discuss any relevant findings, risk factors, or health goals with you, and may provide advice or referrals where appropriate.
- Follow-Up and Care Plan: Where further investigation, specialist input, or ongoing
management is needed, your GP can coordinate appropriate follow-up care.
Who Should Have a Health Assessment?
A health assessment may be relevant for a wide range of patients, including:
- Adults who have not seen a GP for an extended period
- Patients aged 45 to 49 with risk factors for chronic disease
- Patients aged 75 and over
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients of any age
- Individuals with a family history of heart disease, diabetes, or cancer
- Patients managing existing chronic conditions
- Anyone with concerns about their current health or wellbeing
- Those looking to understand their health status as a starting point for making lifestyle changes
Your GP will assess your individual circumstances and advise on the most appropriate assessment for you.
100% Bulk Billing Clinic
Wollongong Doctors is a bulk billing clinic. Patients with a valid Medicare card are bulk billed for GP consultations, meaning there is no out-of-pocket cost for your appointment.
Please note that some services may incur a private fee. We recommend contacting the clinic prior to your appointment to confirm the billing arrangements relevant to your specific care.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be unwell to book a health assessment?
No. Health assessments are available to patients who are not experiencing any specific symptoms. A check-up is an opportunity to review your overall health and discuss any relevant screenings or risk factors with your GP.
How often should I have a health check-up?
The frequency of health check-ups will vary depending on your age, health status, and individual risk factors. Your GP can advise on how often a review may be appropriate for your circumstances.
What is the 45 to 49 Year Old Health Assessment?
This is a Medicare-funded health assessment available to patients aged 45 to 49 who are at risk of developing a chronic condition. Your GP will discuss whether you are eligible and what the assessment involves.
Can I discuss multiple health concerns in one appointment?
Yes. You are welcome to raise any health concerns during your consultation. Depending on the nature and number of concerns, your GP may address them in the same appointment or recommend a follow-up consultation for additional issues.
Does Wollongong Doctors offer skin cancer checks?
Yes. Skin checks are available as part of a GP consultation at our clinic. Speak with your GP about whether a skin check may be appropriate for you.
Where is Wollongong Doctors located?
We are located at LG W005, Wollongong Central, 200 Crown Street, Wollongong NSW 2500, next door to Chemist Warehouse. We welcome patients from across the Illawarra region.
Book a Health Assessment in Wollongong
If you would like to book a health check-up or discuss a health assessment with a GP, our team at Wollongong Doctors is available to assist.
