Health checks are offered to all clients who present based on their gender and age and ethnicity. When the client presents it is an opportunity for clinicians to engage with them in discussion about risk factors for chronic disease and update care plans.
Chronic disease prevention through health checks are eligible for claim under Medicare.
Health checks at the population level are based on the recognition that chronic diseases have an early asymptomatic phase and aim to identify risk factors and early markers which lead to the development of chronic diseases. Brief interventions offered to clients during this therapeutic encounter may lead to behaviour change which is beneficial to their health. Completion of health checks requires a collaborative approach.
Health checks (or population screening) forms the early detection component of the chronic disease strategy. Strategies are being implemented Australia wide to address the increasing burden chronic diseases have on the population and the health system. The chronic disease strategy in north Queensland has three components – primary prevention, early detection and disease management.
Health checks involve:
Screening - includes physical examination and questions designed to identify previously
undetected diseases or risk factors for disease.
Brief interventions - for risk factors including the use of tobacco, alcohol, nutrition, physical
activity, practicing safe sexual behaviours and social emotional wellbeing can be given at the time
of screening, or a referral made for another visit.
If a risk factor or other indicator of disease is found during screening the person is offered assessment, treatment, education and support to improve their health or stop them getting sick. A key principle of screening is to ensure feedback of test results (including normal results) is given to clients as soon as the results are available.
In Queensland more detail on the chronic disease strategy is available in Chronic Disease Guidelines, 2007, (Northern Area Health Service)
Consulting the Medical Officer
If it is necessary to consult with a Medical Officer, try to present your findings in a clear and methodical way.
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