Previously North St Ives Medical PracticeThe right checks, at the right time.
A structured way of making sure the right checks are offered at the right time. Our Preventative Care Coordinator may contact you about a check, vaccine or review that could be due. What happens next is decided by you and your GP.
It comes with being a patient here. There is nothing to join but a list.
Screening only works if it happens on time, and life has a way of pushing it down the list. The programme takes that job off your hands.
Our checks follow national and international health promotion initiatives, matched to your age and history. The purpose is simple: to find risk early, when there is the most that can be done about it.
When we invite you to a preventative check, it is often bulk billed, so there is nothing to pay. Skin checks are the exception. Either way, we tell you the cost before you book.
Taking part is voluntary. You can ask questions, put something off or say no at any point. The Coordinator's job is to organise, not to decide: your GP is responsible for every clinical decision, and makes it with you. Not every patient needs every check.
We get in touch
The Preventative Care Coordinator may contact you by SMS or phone about a check or review that could be due. You can also ask us to include you.
You book
We tell you which appointment to book, how to prepare and what it costs before you decide.
A nurse starts
For some reviews a nurse takes baseline measurements, such as blood pressure, height and weight, before you see the doctor.
You and your GP decide
Your GP talks through your history and preferences, and you agree together what is appropriate.
What may be considered, and when.
A guide only. Timing and eligibility depend on your age, history, current Australian guidance and what you prefer. Your GP will advise.
| Under 25 | Childhood and school immunisations, growth and development checks, mental health, skin protection habits, and sexual health when the time comes. |
|---|---|
| 25 to 44 | Cervical screening every five years from 25, skin checks, sexual and reproductive health, blood pressure, mental health, and immunisations including whooping cough in pregnancy. |
| 45 to 64 | A 45 to 49 health assessment for those with a risk factor, heart health checks, diabetes risk, bowel screening, breast screening, skin checks, and bone health around menopause. |
| 65 to 74 | Shingles, flu and pneumococcal vaccines, heart and kidney health, bowel and breast screening, bone density, and a medicines review if you take several. |
| 75 and over | An annual 75+ health assessment, balance and falls risk, memory, hearing and vision, medicines, and fitness to drive. |
Five places to start.
Each has its own page with who it may suit, what happens on the day and what comes next.
Your questions answered
A few of the things people often wonder about before booking. If there's something else on your mind, just ask, we're always happy to talk it through.
Does it cost anything to enrol?
No. The programme comes with being a patient at St Ives Doctors. Health assessments, chronic condition management plans and medication management plans are bulk billed for eligible patients. Other appointments are billed in the usual way with a Medicare rebate. See fees.
Do I have to do everything that is suggested?
No. We tell you what could be due and why. What you go ahead with is always your decision, and you can leave the programme at any time.
How will you contact me?
By SMS or phone, using the details on your record. Reminders never include clinical detail.
I already have screening through a national program. Is this different?
It sits alongside. Bowel, breast and cervical screening programs send their own invitations. Those programs are separate from St Ives Doctors and have their own rules and costs. We keep the whole picture in one place and may prompt checks that have no national reminder, such as heart, skin and bone health.
Who is the Preventative Care Coordinator?
A member of our team who works with the doctors and nurses to keep the programme running. You can reach them at care@stivesdoctors.com.au. For clinical questions, please book with your GP.
Start with a conversation.
Mention the programme when you next book, or email our Preventative Care Coordinator.