Indigenous Health

What is Indigenous Health

Many Indigenous Australians experience poorer health than other Australians. Our focus on the following conditions:

• Mental Health
• Respiratory Diseases
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Diabetes
• Chronic Kidney Disease
• Trachoma and Rheumatic Heart Disease.

Indigenous health refers to the physical, cultural, social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people

Certain diseases (conditions) that are rare in the non-Indigenous Australians, it is the goal of this practice to help reduce these diseases within our community,

Alcohol, tobacco and illicit substances play a significant role in the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians when it comes to life expectancy and health.

Supporting Health With Free Annual Health Checks

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.

This health check is important. 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.

After your health check, your doctor can refer you to up to 10 free follow-up services if needed, like:

• a specialist or another health service
• a counsellor
• a service that works to prevent chronic conditions.

Bulk billed Health Checks (eligible every 9 months)

The service will be able to answer your questions and help you access the services you need. If you can, try to go to the same doctor or clinic each time, so the health professionals you see know about your health needs.

Your doctor can only do this health check if you agree. You can have it every 9 to 12 months, and it’s free at any Aboriginal Medical Service or this service is bulk billed by our clinic.

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.

What is Included in Your Annual Health Checks

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.

Our thorough health checks help ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people receive primary health care matched to their needs. Your check will depend on your age and circumstances, but your health professional might:

• Check your blood pressure
• Check blood sugar levels
• Height and weight check
• Pathology and urine testing
• Record your family health history
• Talk to you about your health priorities and goals
• Any further testing as required

Remember that it’s your check, so tell your health worker about any worries you have. Your doctor will write down information from your health check on one of the templates from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.

Preventive Health Checks

Our practice provides general medical care at all times, but we encourage early detection, diagnosis and intervention for common and treatable conditions that cause morbidity and early mortality

Your doctor 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.

Health programs

The Australian Government has a number of initiatives designed to give better access for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people to healthcare services that are essential to improving health and life expectancy, and to reducing child mortality.

The Indigenous Australians’ Health Program provides primary health care, child and maternal health, support for people with chronic diseases and other targeted health activities.

For more information, visit the Australian Government Department of Health