What is a 715 Health Check?
If you identify as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person and have a Medicare card, you can get a free health check every year.
A 715 health check is a comprehensive health assessment designed to check that your health is heading in the right direction and to keep small problems from becoming big ones.
The check covers a wide range of health aspects, including physical well-being, mental health, and risk factors that could lead to chronic diseases.
You can have it every 9 to 12 months, and it’s free at any Aboriginal Medical Service such as the MVAC Health Clinic or any other bulk-billing clinic.
Why do I need a health check?
Regular health checks are very important. Getting regular health checks can tell you important information about the body and help keep everything on track.
It can help identify whether you’re at risk of illnesses or chronic conditions. It’s much easier to prevent these than to treat them, so catching them early can make a big difference.
If you have a chronic condition, your health check can help make sure you are getting the medication and care you need.
You can also ask your doctor about anything you’re worried about or need help with.
What happens at the health check?
Your health check can take up to an hour. As well as the doctor, you might also see a nurse, an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander health worker or another health practitioner.
Your check will depend on your age and circumstances, but your health professional might:
- check your blood pressure
- check blood sugar levels
- measure your height and weight
- do a blood test
- do a urine test
- ask about the health of your family
- talk to you about your health priorities and goals
- do other tests, as needed.
Remember that it’s your check, so tell your health worker about any worries you have.
Your doctor will write down your information and will let you know if you need any follow-up care to look after your health, and where you need to go for that care.
They might suggest services to help you with your:
- heart
- vision
- hearing
- movement
- mental health.
If you have a Health Care Card, and have or are at risk of having a chronic condition, you might also get free or discounted medicines.
How do I book my 715 health check?
First, make an appointment. Call MVAC on (03) 5026 3353 and tell us that you'd like to book your 715 health check. We can even arrange transport if you need it.
When you arrive, you'll be asked for your contact details, your medicare card and your concession card if you have one, so make sure to bring them along to your appointment.
Frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of having a health check?
Having a regular health check can keep your health heading in the right direction. It can help prevent small health problems becoming big ones. The information will help tell you and the Doctor about your health and any help you might need. It’s not just about your health, but your family’s health too.
How much does the health check cost?
How much does the health check cost?
The health check is free at MVAC or any other local Aboriginal Medical Service. It is also free at bulk billing health clinics.
What happens to the information I give the Doctor? Who else can see it?
The Doctor and health workers will use the information you give them to help you manage your health. The Doctor and medical staff are bound to confidentiality. That means they cannot share your information without your consent. They need to have your permission before they give the information to anyone else.
What if they make me go to hospital? I don’t want to leave my community.
In most cases your local health service will be able to support you to manage your health close to home. Sometimes though, the help you need might be away from home. It’s important to get the best care you can, to help you stay healthy. Without this, your health might get worse, which is not good for you, your family or community.
The Doctor can’t do much if I’m already sick – what’s the point of a health check?
A chronic disease is an ongoing illness you have had for at least 6 months, or are at risk of getting. Some chronic diseases include asthma, cancer, heart disease, diabetes or arthritis. The information the Doctor collects at a health check can tell them if you might be at risk. They might suggest ways to help you before you get any sicker.
Why should I have a health check on a regular basis?
The tests performed during a health check can tell the Doctor about the health of your body. For example, as you get older your blood pressure or sugar levels may increase. You are able to get a 715 health check every 9 months.
Where can I get a 715 health check?
You can choose where you get your 715 health check. If you can, try to go to the same Doctor or clinic. This helps make sure you are being cared for by people who know about your health needs. Call now to book your free 715 health check at the MVAC Health Clinic.
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