Preventative Health Checks Australia | GP Guide

Most Australians see a doctor when something is already wrong. The problem with that approach is that many serious conditions — high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, early-stage cancer — have no obvious symptoms until they’re well advanced.

Preventative health checks flip that equation. Instead of waiting for a problem to announce itself, you and your GP look for warning signs early, when intervention is most effective and treatment is simplest.

At Manningham General Practice, our GPs provide comprehensive preventative health assessments for adults of all ages across Templestowe Lower, Doncaster, Bulleen, Eltham, and the surrounding suburbs.

What Is a Preventative Health Check?

A preventative health check is a structured assessment of your physical health when you are generally well. It is not a visit because something is wrong — it’s a proactive review designed to detect risk factors and early signs of disease before symptoms appear.

Your GP uses a combination of clinical examination, blood tests, and health history to build a picture of your current health and identify areas that need attention or monitoring.

What Does a Comprehensive Health Check Include?

Test or Assessment	What It Checks	Recommended Frequency
Blood pressure	Hypertension risk, cardiovascular health	Annually (or more often if elevated)
Cholesterol panel	Cardiovascular disease risk	Every 1–5 years depending on age and risk
Fasting blood glucose	Diabetes and pre-diabetes screening	Every 3 years from age 40; more often at risk
BMI and waist circumference	Obesity-related health risk	Annually
Skin examination	Skin cancer detection	Annually (more often for high-risk individuals)
Mental health screen	Anxiety, depression, psychological wellbeing	As clinically appropriate
Cancer screening referrals	Bowel, cervical, breast, prostate (discussion)	Per national guidelines by age group
Thyroid and iron studies	Fatigue, weight changes, hormonal symptoms	As clinically indicated

Age-Based Health Screening Guide

The checks that matter most change as you get older. Here’s a general guide by age group:

• 20s and 30s: Blood pressure, STI screening if relevant, mental health assessment, cervical screening (women from age 25, every 5 years), testicular and breast awareness.
• 40s: All of the above, plus fasting blood glucose, full cholesterol panel, skin cancer check, and the 45–49 Medicare Health Assessment if you’re in that age bracket.
• 50s: Bowel cancer screening (FOBT kit from age 45), mammogram (women every 2 years from 50), PSA discussion (men), vision and hearing checks.
• 60s and beyond: Bone density assessment, falls prevention, cardiovascular risk review, cognitive health screening, and more frequent monitoring of existing conditions.

Medicare-Funded Health Checks Available in Australia

Medicare funds specific health assessments at key life stages. These are separate from a standard GP visit and provide a structured, comprehensive review:

• 45–49 Year Old Health Assessment (MBS Item 717): A once-in-a-lifetime check for Australians aged 45–49 who are at risk of chronic disease but not yet diagnosed with one. Learn more about the 45–49 Health Assessment at MGP.
• 75+ Health Assessment (MBS Item 703): An annual comprehensive assessment for patients aged 75 and over.
• Chronic Disease Management Plans: For patients already living with a chronic condition, your GP can coordinate a structured care plan with allied health referrals.

Note: MGP is a private billing practice. Medicare rebates apply to eligible assessments, but out-of-pocket fees may apply. Contact the practice on (03) 8840 1400 for current fee information.

Cancer Screenings Your GP Can Facilitate

Australia has national screening programs for several cancers, and your GP plays a central coordinating role:

• Bowel cancer: The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program sends free FOBT kits to Australians aged 45–74. Your GP can discuss results and refer if needed.
• Cervical cancer: The Cervical Screening Test (replacing the Pap smear) is recommended every 5 years for women aged 25–74.
• Breast cancer: BreastScreen Australia offers free mammograms every 2 years for women aged 50–74. Your GP can discuss eligibility and provide referrals.
• Skin cancer: MGP has doctors with a specialist interest in skin cancer. A dedicated skin check is available as a separate appointment. If you’re due for a skin examination, ask your GP at your next preventative health visit.
• Prostate cancer: PSA testing is a discussion between you and your GP, not routine population screening. Your doctor will explain the pros and cons for your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I have a health check with my GP?

Generally, healthy adults under 40 benefit from a check every 2 to 3 years. Those over 40 or with known risk factors should aim for annually. Your GP will advise based on your individual circumstances.

Are health checks bulk billed in Australia?

Some Medicare-funded assessments attract a rebate. MGP is a private billing practice — please contact us on (03) 8840 1400 regarding current billing arrangements for health checks.

What blood tests are included in a routine health check?

Commonly: full blood count, fasting blood glucose, cholesterol panel, liver and kidney function, thyroid function, and iron studies. Your GP will order tests appropriate to your age and risk profile.

What is the difference between a health check and a chronic disease management plan?

A preventative health check is for generally healthy people. A Chronic Disease Management Plan is for those already living with conditions like diabetes, asthma, or heart disease — it coordinates ongoing specialist and allied health care.

Can my GP refer me for bowel cancer screening?

The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program sends free test kits to eligible Australians aged 45–74. Your GP can discuss your results and refer if any follow-up is needed.

Does a preventative health check include a skin cancer check?

A comprehensive health assessment can include a skin examination. MGP has doctors with a specialist interest in skin cancer. A dedicated skin cancer check can also be booked as a separate appointment.

How long does a comprehensive health check take?

Typically 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your health history and which tests are done on the day. Some results, like blood tests, require a follow-up appointment to review.