Women's Health
Diseases Affecting Women in Australia
Are GP Phone Consultations the new normal?
In today’s world where our health is constantly being challenged every day with internal and external influences, it’s more important than ever to ensure we look after ourselves. The unfortunate reality is that we are getting older and with over 51% of Australia’s population being women, the health challenges faced by women today differ to that of men.
Latest Australian statistics show that the health issues that affect women the most include:
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Cancer (e.g. breast cancer and skin cancer)
- Mental Health and;
- Respiratory system diseases
What can you do to achieve a healthier you?
Prevention is always better than the cure and this is where Vitalia Healthcare can help you and your family.
Getting your health assessed by your GP doesn’t cost you a thing. We are a Bulk Billing medical centre; let us help you.
This service is not only limited to normal consults, patients can now access chronic disease management and mental health item numbers as well.
Regular health checks for women include:
Disease / Condition
Who to Test?
Type of Test
Frequency of Checks
Bowel Cancer
Breast Cancer
Cervical Cancer
Patients 50 – 74yrs
Women of any age at average risk
Women 25 – 74yrs
Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)
Mammogram
Papsmear
Every 2yrs
Ongoing self-assessment
High Blood Pressure
Patients over 18yrs
Blood pressure management
At least every 2yrs
High Cholesterol
Patients 45yrs and older
Cholesterol and triglyceride blood tests
Every 5yrs
Cardiovascular Disease
Patients 45yrs and older
A risk assessment is completed first then depending on the results further blood tests and an ECG may be required.
Moderate risk = 6-12 months
High risk = as advised by your doctor
Diabetes 2
Patients 45yrs and older
Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment tool
Every 3yrs
Hearing impairment
Patients 65yrs and older
Hearing assessment
Every 2yrs
Kidney Disease
Patients that smoke, are obese, that have Diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease
Kidney Health Check including checking the blood pressure, urine test to test protein and a kidney function test
Every 1 – 2yrs
Overweight
Patients 18yrs and older
BMI and waist circumference test
Increased risk = every year
Sexually transmitted infections (STI’s)
All sexually active patients under the age of 30 years
Test depends on infection trying to be confirmed
Recommended testing frequency depends on level of risk
If you or your family has a history of any of the aforementioned conditions, there are management plans and team care arrangements that the GP can help you setup to assist with these conditions. In some cases if the GP deems it necessary to involve an Allied Health provider, Medicare will also pay for the first three visits with that health care provider.
Make a GP appointment today and let us help you, don’t let little things turn into big things.
Mental Health, Chronic Disease & Health Management
What does this mean for the patient?
If a patient is eligible and has signs of a chronic disease such as arthritis, asthma, back pain, cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes or mental health conditions. Depending on their prognosis they can now access the following over the phone:
- GP Management Plan
- Team Care Arrangement – where the patient will be cover Medicare rebates for five allied health consults
- Mental Health Care Plan for things like depression, anxiety or stress and will cover Medicare rebates for sessions per year
Do I need to pay for GP Phone Consultations ?
If you have one of the following there will be no out of pocket expenses:
- Valid DVA Gold card
- Valid Medicare card
- BUPA Overseas student cover
- Medibank Overseas Student Cover
- AHM Overseas Student Cover
- Allianz Overseas Student and Visitor Cover
What do I do next?
We at Vitalia Healthcare want to help you. Book online here for an initial phone consult so the doctor can assess if you are eligible.
If you are eligible a subsequent phone consult will be booked with the doctor to complete the applicable plan.
