” A 715 it’s a health check that Aboriginal and Torres Strait on the people’s can have done on an annual timetable.
But it should be comprehensive in nature, and offer you not just the usual, hi, how are you?
What’s your name? Where do you live?
But take full consideration of your social background and social histories, ask you about your family history.
Is there anything important not just in your own personal medical background, but that of your family, so we can take that into consideration?
We know that we have many families with long backgrounds of chronic disease, for example, diabetes, cardiovascular risk, and they’re super important we’re considering how we tailor our history, our examination, our investigations, and then a treatment plan for you.
It goes through the steps of that history and they’ll ask you questions about, you got a job at the moment, where are you working?
What are you exposed to? What are your interest? Do you play sport?
Are you involved in any other sort of social activities, cultural activities, for example, which I think is really important.
They’ll then make determinations around the kinds of examination if they need to tailor that at all, depending upon your age, and where you live and your access to services and what your history brought up, for example, male, female, young or old.
And then the investigations and X-ray, for example, or some bloods taken, and referrals as appropriate.
For allied health professionals, pediatrists, nutritionists, diabetes educators, but also perhaps you might need to see a cardiologist or a diabetes and endocrinologist as a specialist.
And then we wrap that all up in a specific and individualised kind of plan for you, that we discuss and we negotiate and we try to educate so that you then are able to play a part in your own health and take responsibility for some of those aspects.
But also you then get to choose what you share with family and the other providers.
It’s supposed to be a relationship and partnership for your health, that you understand, that you agree to and then together, you can move forward on how to be healthy and stay healthy.
From interview with Dr Ngaire Brown
Download resources below or from HERE
Podcasts
- Interview with Dr Ngiare Brown Part 1 – 39.51 (wav 618659 KB)
- Interview with Dr Ngiare Brown Part 1 – YouTube – 39.51
- Transcript Dr Ngiare Brown Part 1 – Word 39 KB
- Interview with Dr Ngiare Brown Part 2 – 30.44 (wav 477163 KB)
- Interview with Dr Ngiare Brown Part 2 – YouTube – 30.44
- Transcript Dr Ngiare Brown Part 2 – Word 33 KB
Annual health checks for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can access a health check annually, with a minimum claim period of 9 months. 715 health checks are free at Aboriginal Medical Services and bulk bulling clinics to help people stay healthy and strong.
We acknowledge that many individuals refer to themselves by their clan, mob, and/or country. For the purposes of the health check, we respectfully refer to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander throughout.
Your Health is in Your Hands
Having a health check provides important health information for you and your doctor.
Staying on top of your health is important. It helps to identify potential illnesses or chronic diseases before they occur. It is much easier to look at ways to prevent these things from occurring, rather than treatment.
The 715 Health Check is designed to support the physical, social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients of all ages. It is free at Aboriginal Medical Services and bulk billing clinics.
What happens at the health check?
Having the health check can take up to an hour. A Practice Nurse, Aboriginal Health Worker or Aboriginal and Torres Starlit Islander Health Practitioner may assist the doctor to perform this health check. They will record information about your health, such as your blood pressure, blood sugar levels, height and weight. You might also have a blood test or urine test. It is also an opportunity to talk about the health of your family.
Depending on the information you’ve provided, you might have some other tests too. You’ll then have a yarn with the doctor or health practitioner about the tests and any follow up you might need. It’s also good to tell them about your family medical history or any worries you have about your health.
Information for patients
Only about 30 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are accessing the 715 health check. Resources have been developed to help improve the uptake of 715 health checks in the community.
These are available for patients, community organisations, PHNs and GP clinics to download or order
Read all NACCHO 715 Health Check articles Here
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens at the health check?
Health checks might be different depending on your age.
Having the health check should take between 40-60 minutes. A health practitioner might check your:
- blood pressure
- blood sugar levels
- height and weight
You might also a have blood test and urine test.
It’s also good to tell your health practitioner about your family medical history or any worries you have about your health.
Follow up care
Once you finish the check, the Practice Nurse, Aboriginal Health Worker or Doctor might tell you about other ways to help look after your health. They might suggest services to help you with your:
- heart
- vision
- hearing
- movement
- mental health
You may also get help with free or discounted medicines you might need. Your Doctor can give you information about Closing the Gap scripts if you have or at risk of having a chronic disease.
Where can you access a 715 health check?
You can choose where you get your 715 health check. If you can, try to go to the same Doctor or clinic.
This helps make sure you are being cared for by people who know about your health needs.
Do I need to pay for the 715 health check?
The health check is free at your local Aboriginal Medical Service. It is also free at bulk billing health clinics. If you are unsure whether it will be free at your local Doctor, give them a call to ask about the 715 health check before you book.
Why Should I Identify?
It’s important to tell the Doctor if you are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander so that they can make sure you get access to health care you might need. Medicare can help record this for you, and their staff are culturally trained to help.
Call the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access line on 1800 556 955.
Information for Health Professionals
For more information about for health professionals and medical practitioners delivering the 715 health checks please go to Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients.
Video Case Studies
- Moorditj Koort
- Transcript Moorditj Koort (Other 3 KB)
- Pika Wiya
- Transcript Pika Wiya (Other 3 KB)
- Awabakal
- Transcript Awabaka (Other 2 KB)
Social Media Tiles