Over 75 Health Assessment in Point Cook
The over 75 health assessment is a yearly Medicare-funded review for people aged 75 and older who live in the community. It looks beyond blood pressure and blood tests to how you are managing day to day: your medicines, balance, memory, mood and the help you have at home.
Family members and carers are welcome to come along, and many people find it helps to have a second set of ears.
Who is eligible
According to the Medicare guidelines, you can have an Older Person’s Health Assessment if you are aged 75 or older and are not a hospital in-patient or living in residential aged care. Medicare funds one assessment every 12 months.
What the over 75 health assessment covers
The Medicare rules set out what must be included. Your GP will:
- measure your blood pressure, pulse rate and rhythm
- review all your medicines, including ones bought without a prescription
- ask about bladder and bowel control
- check your immunisation status
- ask about everyday activities and whether you have had a fall in the last three months
- look at memory, thinking and mood
- ask about paid and unpaid help, and whether you care for someone else
You are offered a written report with recommendations, and a copy can go to your carer if you agree.
Why it matters at this age
Problems such as a fall, a medicine that no longer suits you or a change in memory are often easier to manage when they are found early. The aim is to help you stay well and independent at home for longer. The review also gives you a chance to talk about driving, sleep, hearing, eyesight and anything else that has changed over the year.
After the review
The GP talks through what they found and what could help. That might be adjusting or stopping a medicine, arranging tests, a referral to a specialist or other health professional, suggestions to make your home safer, or a plan to follow up memory or mood concerns at another visit. You do not have to agree to everything at once, and you can take the written report home to read with family.
Vaccines worth reviewing
Immunisation is one of the required parts of the review. The doctor may talk about the flu vaccine, pneumococcal vaccination, shingles vaccine and COVID-19 boosters, and which ones you are due for.
Getting ready
Bring:
- all your medicines in their boxes, or an up-to-date list
- glasses and hearing aids if you use them
- letters or results from specialists
- a note of questions or worries, including ones from family
Let reception know the booking is for a health assessment so the right amount of time is set aside.
Common questions
Can my daughter or son come in with me?
Yes. A family member or carer can help with history and questions, and you decide what they hear.
What if I cannot get to the clinic?
Home visits are available for clinic patients who are too unwell to attend, with a minimum out-of-pocket fee of $250 during business hours. Details are on the practice information page.
Is this the same as a care plan?
No. The assessment identifies issues. If you have an ongoing condition, the GP may also suggest a plan through chronic disease management.
Do I have to have it every year?
No. It is voluntary, and Medicare allows one every 12 months. Many people find a yearly review useful because health can change quickly after 75.
Will I need blood tests?
Only if the doctor thinks they are needed. Any tests can be collected onsite at the pathology centre.
Good to know
Before your appointment
If you are a new patient, please arrive at least five minutes before your consultation and bring:
- Photo ID
- A valid Medicare card
Fees and billing
We offer bulk billing to all patients with a valid Medicare card for standard consultations. All procedures are subject to fees.