Turning 75 brings a helpful, if lesser-known, entitlement: an annual health check designed specifically for older Australians, fully supported by Medicare. It’s one of the most useful preventive tools available to you, but many patients simply haven’t heard of it, or don’t claim it.
If you or someone you love is approaching or past 75, here’s what a Medicare health assessment for turning 75 involves, what it can pick up early, and how to book one at Balwyn Central Medical.
What Is a Medicare Health Assessment for People Turning 75?
A 75 year old health assessment, under Medicare Australia’s rules, is a structured check-up that looks at your overall health, physical function, and psychological and social wellbeing, not just a single condition or complaint. It’s sometimes called the Older Person’s Health Assessment.
Once you turn 75, a Medicare health assessment becomes available to you every 12 months, whether or not you have an existing health condition. The idea is to catch small issues early, before they become bigger problems, and to help you keep living independently for as long as possible.
What Happens at a 75+ Health Check?
Wondering what happens at a 75-year-old health check? It’s typically a longer appointment with your GP, often supported by a practice nurse, covering:
Medical history and medications — including a review to reduce the risk of taking medicines that interact poorly with each other
Cognitive screening — a simple check for early signs of memory or thinking changes
Mental health and mood — an opportunity to raise any concerns about mood or social wellbeing
Social supports — looking at your living situation, safety at home, and available support
This kind of geriatric assessment isn’t about finding problems for the sake of it. It’s about giving you and your GP a clear picture, so any preventive health check recommendations are genuinely relevant to you.
Is a 75+ Health Assessment Bulk Billed?
Many patients ask, “does my GP bulk bill health assessments?” At Balwyn Central Medical, the answer is yes — a 75+ health check is Medicare bulk-billed for all patients, so there’s no out-of-pocket cost to you.
A free health check for those 75 years old under Medicare is a valuable, no-cost way to stay on top of your health each year. If you’d like to confirm anything before your appointment, you’re welcome to check our fees or ask our reception team when you book.
How Often Can I Have a Health Assessment?
An annual health assessment over 75 in Australia can be claimed once every 12 months. Your assessment is billed under Medicare’s time-tiered health assessment items, most often Medicare item 703 health assessment or a related item, with the specific number depending on how long your appointment takes and how much ground it covers.
Your Medicare rebate for health assessment applies whether this is your first assessment or one of many over the years. There’s no limit on how many years in a row you can have one.
What Happens After Your Assessment?
If your GP identifies something worth following up, they’ll talk you through the next steps. This might include:
A referral — to a specialist, physiotherapist, or other allied health professional
A chronic disease management plan — if you have an ongoing condition that would benefit from coordinated care
Updated preventive care — such as immunisations or screening tests that are due
Practical safety advice — around falls prevention or home safety, where relevant
Supporting healthy ageing in Australia is really the point of the whole assessment. It’s less about a single test result, and more about helping you stay well and independent for longer.
When to See Your GP
You don’t need to wait for your annual assessment if something’s worrying you sooner. Book an appointment if:
You’ve noticed a change in your memory, mood, or mobility
You’ve had a fall, or feel unsteady on your feet
You’re taking several medications and aren’t sure they’re all still needed
You simply haven’t had a health check in a while
If you’re experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.
A Simple Step Towards Staying Well
A Medicare health assessment is a small time investment with real value, helping you and your GP stay ahead of any changes to your health as you age. It’s one of the easiest ways to look after yourself, and it costs you nothing more than the time.
If you’re looking for a Balwyn GP health assessment that seniors can count on for themselves or a family member turning 75, our team at Balwyn Central Medical is here to help. Our team can help you or your loved one understand their health better and provide guidance and treatment options after the assessment
Book an appointment online or call our reception team on (03) 9830 2300 to schedule a consultation with one of our GPs.
The information in this article is general in nature and isn’t a substitute for personalised medical advice. If you’re concerned about your health, book an appointment with your GP at Balwyn Central Medical or call (03) 9830 2300.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Included in a 75+ Health Assessment?
It covers your medical history and medications, physical function (mobility, balance, falls risk, hearing, vision), cognitive screening, mood and mental health, and your social supports at home.
Your GP uses this to identify any areas worth following up.
How Often Can I Have a Medicare Health Assessment After Turning 75?
Once every 12 months, for as many years as you like. There’s no cap on how many assessments you can have over time. Your GP will let you know when you’re due for your next one.
Will My Health Assessment Be Bulk Billed?
Yes. At Balwyn Central Medical, the 75+ health assessment is bulk billed for all patients, with no out-of-pocket cost. If you have any questions about billing, you’re welcome to check our fees or ask our reception team when you book.
Do I Need to Prepare for My Health Assessment?
It helps to bring a list of your current medications, any recent test results, and details of other specialists you see. If you have concerns about memory, mood, or mobility, jotting these down beforehand can make the appointment more useful.
Can a Family Member or Carer Come to the Appointment With Me?
Yes. Many patients find it helpful to have a family member or carer present, particularly if there’s a lot of information to take in or if the carer can provide useful context about day-to-day function at home.
Turning 75? A Balwyn Patient’s Guide to their Medicare Health Assessment
Turning 75 brings a helpful, if lesser-known, entitlement: an annual health check designed specifically for older Australians, fully supported by Medicare. It’s one of the most useful preventive tools available to you, but many patients simply haven’t heard of it, or don’t claim it.
If you or someone you love is approaching or past 75, here’s what a Medicare health assessment for turning 75 involves, what it can pick up early, and how to book one at Balwyn Central Medical.
What Is a Medicare Health Assessment for People Turning 75?
A 75 year old health assessment, under Medicare Australia’s rules, is a structured check-up that looks at your overall health, physical function, and psychological and social wellbeing, not just a single condition or complaint. It’s sometimes called the Older Person’s Health Assessment.
Once you turn 75, a Medicare health assessment becomes available to you every 12 months, whether or not you have an existing health condition. The idea is to catch small issues early, before they become bigger problems, and to help you keep living independently for as long as possible.
What Happens at a 75+ Health Check?
Wondering what happens at a 75-year-old health check? It’s typically a longer appointment with your GP, often supported by a practice nurse, covering:
This kind of geriatric assessment isn’t about finding problems for the sake of it. It’s about giving you and your GP a clear picture, so any preventive health check recommendations are genuinely relevant to you.
Is a 75+ Health Assessment Bulk Billed?
How Often Can I Have a Health Assessment?
An annual health assessment over 75 in Australia can be claimed once every 12 months. Your assessment is billed under Medicare’s time-tiered health assessment items, most often Medicare item 703 health assessment or a related item, with the specific number depending on how long your appointment takes and how much ground it covers.
Your Medicare rebate for health assessment applies whether this is your first assessment or one of many over the years. There’s no limit on how many years in a row you can have one.
What Happens After Your Assessment?
If your GP identifies something worth following up, they’ll talk you through the next steps. This might include:
Supporting healthy ageing in Australia is really the point of the whole assessment. It’s less about a single test result, and more about helping you stay well and independent for longer.
When to See Your GP
You don’t need to wait for your annual assessment if something’s worrying you sooner. Book an appointment if:
If you’re experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.
A Simple Step Towards Staying Well
A Medicare health assessment is a small time investment with real value, helping you and your GP stay ahead of any changes to your health as you age. It’s one of the easiest ways to look after yourself, and it costs you nothing more than the time.
If you’re looking for a Balwyn GP health assessment that seniors can count on for themselves or a family member turning 75, our team at Balwyn Central Medical is here to help. Our team can help you or your loved one understand their health better and provide guidance and treatment options after the assessment
Book an appointment online or call our reception team on (03) 9830 2300 to schedule a consultation with one of our GPs.
The information in this article is general in nature and isn’t a substitute for personalised medical advice. If you’re concerned about your health, book an appointment with your GP at Balwyn Central Medical or call (03) 9830 2300.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Included in a 75+ Health Assessment?
It covers your medical history and medications, physical function (mobility, balance, falls risk, hearing, vision), cognitive screening, mood and mental health, and your social supports at home.
Your GP uses this to identify any areas worth following up.
How Often Can I Have a Medicare Health Assessment After Turning 75?
Once every 12 months, for as many years as you like. There’s no cap on how many assessments you can have over time. Your GP will let you know when you’re due for your next one.
Will My Health Assessment Be Bulk Billed?
Do I Need to Prepare for My Health Assessment?
It helps to bring a list of your current medications, any recent test results, and details of other specialists you see. If you have concerns about memory, mood, or mobility, jotting these down beforehand can make the appointment more useful.
Can a Family Member or Carer Come to the Appointment With Me?
Yes. Many patients find it helpful to have a family member or carer present, particularly if there’s a lot of information to take in or if the carer can provide useful context about day-to-day function at home.
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