Indigenous Health

Closing the Gap (CTG)

Improving the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is a national priority our practice offers CTG services for eligible individuals bulk billed.

Closing the gap gives better access to Medicare and Medicine, extra free immunisations, coordinated care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with chronic conditions and helps to reduce the high rate of smoking.

Our doctors provide primary health care for

• Maternal and child health,
• Arrange and manage support for people with chronic diseases, and
• Conduct regular health checks and immunisations.

Supporting Health With Free Annual Health Checks

If you identify as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person and have a Medicare card, you can get a free health check every year.

This health check is important. It can help identify whether you’re at risk of illnesses or chronic conditions. It’s much easier to prevent these than to treat them, so catching them early can make a big difference.

If you have a chronic condition, your health check can help make sure you are getting the medication and care you need.

You can also ask your doctor about anything you’re worried about or need help with.

After your health check, your doctor can refer you to up to 10 free follow-up services if needed, like:

• a specialist or another health service
• a counsellor
• a service that works to prevent chronic conditions.

Free Annual Health Checks

The service will be able to answer your questions and help you access the services you need. If you can, try to go to the same doctor or clinic each time, so the health professionals you see know about your health needs.

If you prefer to not go in person, you can ask whether they offer phone or video (telehealth) appointments.

Your doctor can only do this health check if you agree. You can have it every 9 to 12 months, and it’s free at any Aboriginal Medical Service or this service is bulk billed by our clinic.

If you have a Health Care Card, and have or are at risk of having a chronic condition, you might also get free or discounted medicines.

What is Included in Your Annual Health Checks

Your health check can take up to an hour. As well as the doctor, you might also see a nurse, an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander health worker or another health practitioner.

Our thorough health checks help ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people receive primary health care matched to their needs. Your check will depend on your age and circumstances, but your health professional might:

• Check Your Blood Pressure
• Check Blood Sugar Levels
• Measure Your Height And Weight
• Do A Blood Test
• Do A Urine Test
• Ask About The Health Of Your Family
• Talk To You About Your Health Priorities And Goals
• Do Other Tests, As Needed.

Remember that it’s your check, so tell your health worker about any worries you have. Your doctor will write down information from your health check on one of the templates from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.

Preventive Health Checks

Our practice provides general medical care at all times, but we encourage early detection, diagnosis and intervention for common and treatable conditions that cause morbidity and early mortality

Your doctor will let you know if you need any follow-up care to look after your health, and where you need to go for that care.

They might suggest services to help you with your:

• Heart
• Vision
• Hearing
• Movement
• Mental Health.

Health programs

The Australian Government has a number of initiatives designed to give better access for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people to healthcare services that are essential to improving health and life expectancy, and to reducing child mortality.

The Indigenous Australians’ Health Program provides primary health care, child and maternal health, support for people with chronic diseases and other targeted health activities.

For more information, visit the Australian Government Department of Health