45–49 Health Assessment Medicare | What’s Included

Your 40s are often when the pace of life is at its most relentless — careers, families, mortgages, ageing parents. Health checks slip down the priority list. And that’s precisely when chronic disease risk starts to climb.

The Australian Government recognised this and created the 45–49 Year Old Health Assessment — a Medicare-funded, once-in-a-lifetime check specifically designed for Australians in this age window who are at risk of developing a chronic condition.

If you’re in this age group and haven’t had your assessment yet, it’s worth understanding what it involves and why it matters. At Manningham General Practice, our doctors offer this Medicare-funded health assessment as part of our comprehensive preventative health services.

What Is the 45–49 Year Old Health Assessment?

The 45–49 Health Assessment is a structured preventative health check funded under the Medicare Benefits Schedule as item 717. Its purpose is to identify risk factors for chronic disease at a stage when lifestyle changes can still have a significant impact — before a diagnosis is made.

It is not a standard GP consultation. It’s a dedicated assessment that takes a broader look at your health across multiple risk domains in a single appointment.

Who Is Eligible?

To be eligible for this assessment under Medicare, you must:

• Be aged between 45 and 49 at the time of the assessment
• Be at risk of developing a chronic condition (your GP will assess this)
• Not have already received the assessment (it is available once in a lifetime under Medicare)

If you already have a diagnosed chronic condition (such as type 2 diabetes or heart disease), you are not eligible for this specific assessment — but your GP can discuss alternative care planning options, including a Chronic Disease Management Plan.

What Does the Assessment Include?

The 45–49 Health Assessment is a comprehensive review across four key areas:

1. Health risk identification: Your GP reviews your personal and family medical history to identify risk factors for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and respiratory conditions.
2. Lifestyle assessment: Diet quality, physical activity levels, alcohol consumption, smoking status, and sleep habits are all reviewed and documented.
3. Physical measurements: Blood pressure, BMI, and waist circumference are measured. Blood tests may be requested to check glucose, cholesterol, and kidney function.
4. Health summary and action plan: Your GP creates a written summary of identified risks and recommended interventions — which may include allied health referrals under a GP Management Plan.

What Happens After the Assessment?

The assessment is not just a checklist — it generates a plan. Depending on what’s identified, your GP may:

• Refer you to a dietitian, exercise physiologist, or physiotherapist under a GP Management Plan (with Medicare rebates)
• Order additional blood tests or investigations
• Recommend lifestyle changes with a follow-up review
• Initiate monitoring for specific risk factors (such as blood pressure or blood glucose)
• Discuss preventive medications if your cardiovascular risk warrants it

If the assessment reveals you’re carrying excess weight, your GP may also discuss the Weight Management Clinic as a structured next step.

Is the 45–49 Health Assessment Free?

Medicare funds the assessment under item 717, meaning a rebate applies. However, Manningham General Practice is a private billing clinic, so an out-of-pocket fee may apply in addition to the Medicare rebate.

Contact the practice on (03) 8840 1400 to discuss current fees before booking. Even with a gap fee, this is one of the most cost-effective health investments you can make in your 40s.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Medicare item number for the 45–49 health assessment?

The assessment is billed under Medicare Benefits Schedule item 717. Your GP will handle the Medicare claim on your behalf.

Can I have the assessment if I already have a chronic condition?

The assessment is specifically for those at risk of developing chronic disease but not yet diagnosed. If you already have a chronic condition, your GP can discuss alternative care planning options such as a Chronic Disease Management Plan.

How long does the assessment take?

Allow approximately 30 to 45 minutes for a thorough assessment. Some GPs complete a preliminary questionnaire before the appointment to make the most of your time.

Can I have this assessment more than once?

The 45–49 health assessment is available once per lifetime under Medicare. Other age-based assessments (such as the 75+ assessment) are available at later life stages.

What should I bring to the appointment?

Your Medicare card, a list of current medications, any relevant medical history documents, and information about your family history of chronic conditions.

What conditions does the assessment screen for?

The assessment identifies risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and respiratory conditions. It focuses on risk, not diagnosis.

Is the 45–49 assessment the same as a comprehensive health check?

They overlap but are different. The 45–49 assessment is a specific Medicare-funded check with defined criteria. A comprehensive health check at MGP is broader and available to adults of any age.