Adult Health Checks in Frankston: What Checks Do You Need?
A health check is more than simply having a set of blood tests. The most useful health checks are based on your age, medical history, family history, lifestyle, medications and individual risk factors.
A GP health check provides an opportunity to review your general health, discuss preventative care and identify whether any screening, vaccinations or further assessment may be appropriate.
What happens during an adult health check?
Your GP will usually begin by discussing your general health, medical history, current medications and any concerns you would like to address.
Depending on your individual circumstances, your GP may review areas such as:
Blood pressure
Cardiovascular risk
Diabetes risk
Weight and lifestyle
Smoking and alcohol use
Mental health and sleep
Medications
Immunisations
Cancer screening
Family medical history
An examination or investigations such as blood tests may be appropriate for some patients, but not everyone needs the same tests.
The aim is to tailor preventative healthcare to the individual rather than applying the same checklist to every adult.
How often should adults have a health check?
There is no single health check schedule that is appropriate for every adult.
How often you should see your GP for preventative healthcare depends on factors such as your:
Age
Medical history
Family history
Existing health conditions
Medications
Previous test results
Lifestyle and individual risk factors
Someone with an existing chronic condition or significant risk factors may require more frequent review than a younger person without known health concerns.
Your GP can advise which checks are appropriate and when they should be repeated.
Heart health and diabetes risk
High blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes can sometimes be present without obvious symptoms.
Depending on your age and risk factors, your GP may assess your blood pressure and discuss whether cholesterol, blood glucose or other investigations are appropriate.
Cardiovascular risk is assessed using more than a single test result. Your medical history, family history, smoking status and other health factors may all be relevant.
Cancer screening
Australia has national screening programs for bowel, cervical and breast cancer.
Which screening programs are relevant to you depends on factors including your age, sex, previous results and individual risk.
Importantly, screening is generally intended for people without symptoms. If you develop a concerning symptom, such as a new breast lump, unexplained bleeding or persistent bowel changes, you should speak with a GP rather than waiting for your next routine screening invitation.
Your GP can discuss which screening programs are appropriate for you and whether your individual or family history changes the usual recommendations.
Mental health and wellbeing
Preventative healthcare can also include your mental health.
You can speak with your GP about concerns such as:
Persistent low mood
Anxiety
Stress
Poor sleep
Changes in motivation
Difficulties coping at home or work
You do not need to wait until symptoms become severe before discussing mental health with your GP.
Assessment and treatment will depend on your individual circumstances and may include practical strategies, psychological support, medication or referral when appropriate.
Medication and vaccination review
A health check is also an opportunity to review your medications.
Bring an up to date list of prescription medicines, over the counter products and supplements you take.
Your GP can consider whether medications remain appropriate, whether monitoring is required and whether you are experiencing possible side effects.
Vaccination requirements can also change according to age, pregnancy, medical conditions, occupation and travel. Your GP can advise which vaccinations are recommended for your circumstances.
Health checks for chronic conditions
People living with conditions such as diabetes, asthma, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure or other long term conditions may benefit from planned GP reviews.
These appointments can include reviewing symptoms, medications, investigations, treatment goals and other healthcare providers involved in your care.
Regular review can also help identify when a management plan needs to change.
You can explore the GP services available at Peninsula Health Centre.
What about skin cancer checks?
Your GP can assess many common skin concerns and suspicious lesions.
For patients seeking dedicated full body skin checks, mole mapping or skin cancer treatment, The Mole Clinic Frankston operates from the same Frankston South location as Peninsula Health Centre as a separate skin cancer service.
How should I prepare for a health check?
You generally do not need extensive preparation.
It can be helpful to bring:
A current medication list
Relevant recent test results
Information about significant family medical history
Home blood pressure readings if you monitor your blood pressure
A list of health concerns or questions you would like to discuss
If you have several concerns to discuss, consider booking a longer appointment.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need blood tests every year?
Not necessarily. The need for blood tests depends on your age, medical history, medications, symptoms and individual risk factors.
Your GP can advise whether particular blood tests are appropriate and how frequently they should be performed.
Can I book a health check if I feel well?
Yes. Preventative healthcare is relevant to people who feel well as well as those managing existing medical conditions.
A GP appointment can be used to discuss screening, vaccinations and other preventative healthcare appropriate to you.
Are health checks bulk billed?
Peninsula Health Centre provides 100% bulk billing for eligible Medicare card holders for standard GP consultations, subject to the clinic’s billing policy.
Some services may have different billing arrangements. You can view our bulk billing information or contact reception if you are unsure.
Book a GP health check in Frankston
If you would like to review your general health or discuss which preventative health checks are appropriate for you, Peninsula Health Centre welcomes new and existing patients at our Frankston South clinic.