Benefits of health checks
Health and wellbeing of First Nations people
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (First Nations) people are the first peoples of Australia. They comprise hundreds of groups that have their own distinct set of languages, histories and cultural traditions, and contribute significantly to all aspects of life in Australia and to Australia’s cultural identity.
For First Nations people, good health is more than the absence of disease or illness; it is a holistic concept that includes physical, social, emotional, cultural, and spiritual wellbeing, for both the individual and the community.
When interpreting health and welfare data about First Nations people, it is particularly important to understand historical factors. Colonisation and subsequent discriminatory government policies have had a devastating impact on First Nations communities and culture. Ongoing entrenched disadvantage, political exclusion, intergenerational trauma and institutional racism can all have a negative impact on the health and welfare outcomes of First Nations people.
This context underlines the importance of culturally appropriate health initiatives tailored to the specific needs of First Nations communities.
What are health checks for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people?
Health checks – often called 715 health checks or health assessments – are annual check-ups available through Medicare for First Nations people of all ages. They are designed to support health and wellbeing by identifying and managing both health conditions and their underlying risk factors – particularly those that disproportionately affect First Nations people, such as diabetes, heart disease, and mental health issues.
These health checks were introduced between 1999 and 2006 to improve access to culturally safe, preventive healthcare, with their development led by the community-controlled sector. People who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and have a Medicare card can get a health check every 9–12 months with their regular GP. Health checks are free at Aboriginal Medical Services and bulk-billing clinics.
See Technical notes for details about the Medicare items analysed in this report.
What happens during a health check?
During a health check, a doctor – often supported by a nurse, or an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioner or health worker – will:
- ask about the individual's health, lifestyle, and family medical history
- discuss health goals and any concerns
- check measurements such as blood pressure, height and weight
- possibly conduct blood or urine tests
- help develop a personalised plan for staying healthy.
At the end of the health check, the doctor provides a copy of the individual's health information and care plan. This may include follow-up appointments or referrals to other health professionals, such as a dietitian, psychologist, or specialist. The whole check-up usually takes less than an hour.
What are the benefits of having a health check?
Health checks offer several benefits, including:
- early detection and prevention of illness
- ongoing connection with a trusted healthcare team
- access to free follow-up care and support services if needed.
For individuals with long-term health conditions, regular health checks can help make sure the right medication and care are being provided.
Voices from the community: Why health checks matter
In 2019, people from Awabakal Medical Service in Newcastle shared their experiences with the 715 health check – how it supports their health, strengthens relationships between healthcare providers and the community, and why there are still barriers for many people.
“A 715 health check is critical to the overall health of our Aboriginal community.”
Toni Johnston
then Acting CEO, Awabakal Medical Service
Toni explained that building trust is key:
“It is important our GPs build rapport with our patients and our community to get them the health support that they actually need. We want to get to know you, as a person, your health is a key part of that.”
Dr Joyce Hyde, a GP at Awabakal, agreed:
“The 715 Health Check is a really important part of how we keep our mob healthy. It's a really good health assessment that checks on physical, social and emotional health to keep us all as healthy as we can be.
"After a 715 Health Check we see that people are more aware of what their health is like, as it is. They're more aware of what they need to do to improve their health, and we have a better connection in terms of medical staff and patients to work together to help health improve.”
Rod Smith, a local community member, shared how health checks helped him with his mental health:
“Like many Aboriginal men, I grew up thinking that men don't cry – that men have to be tough. I’d always been a happy go lucky person but as I got older I experienced a few hurdles in life. I got to a point one day where I started thinking negative.
"Like most men out there, I thought, if I go and talk to a doctor about mental health, does that mean I'm crazy?
"It was that fear creeping in. That's a big reason why a lot of Aboriginal people don't go for a health check. It's the fear of what they're going to find out.
"But I did it; I got the 715 health check and I found the mental health aspects of the 715 so valuable. I’m now a member of the Awabakal team myself, looking after our promotions.”
Simone Jordan, then Community Relations manager, helped people overcome the fear and other barriers to going to the doctor and getting a health check:
“There are different barriers for people. I think the main one is making the time; reminding people to look after themselves, have that self-care. Aboriginal mothers, we tend to look after everyone else and forget ourselves. So, we're trying to instil that your own health is important.”
The full story, and others like it, can be read on the Indigenous.gov.au website:
715 Health Check - your health is in your hands (Indigenous.gov.au).