The purpose of health assessment is to get a general understanding of the state of your health across your mental, physical, psychological and sexual wellbeing. Health assessments enable you to take a proactive stance towards your health and screen for certain diseases. At Sirius Heath, we believe that knowledge is power and we know that health assessments enable our patients to make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.
What Is The Purpose Of A Health Assessment?
A health assessment is a collection of medical tests and examinations that are performed on a person. They can be requested by an employer to evaluate a person’s fitness to do a job, or they can be ordered at a specific age group to give an indication of a person’s state of health, and highlight any necessary interventions that need to be made.
In terms of workplace assessments, these can be requested before starting a new job, or if changes are made to your current job description.
The Importance Of Regular Health Assessments
It has been reported that 40% of deaths from cancer and 80% of death from type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke could be prevented by regular exercise, following a healthy diet and quitting smoking.
Not only do preventable diseases claim the lives of thousands of people every year, they are responsible for lost time and resources: both in terms of time off and in terms of the medical expenses incurred in treating them.
Based on the outcomes of the assessment, your healthcare provider will be able to guide you with a management strategy that may include
- Input on a healthy diet and regular exercise
- Medication aimed at preventing the onset of chronic disease
- Chronic disease medication to manage your health should you present with a chronic disease
What Happens At A Health Assessment?
Specific screening tests will apply to you, depending on your age group. In addition to age-specific testing, you can expect:
Medical history update
Your medical practitioner will update your medical history and enquire about any new health issues you may be experiencing.
Measurements
You will be weighed and measured, and your file will be updated with this information. Your blood pressure and heart rate will also be documented for your file and compared to previous measurements.
Medications
Your healthcare practitioner will ask you about any medication you are taking, and find out if you have been taking it as prescribed.
Health education
Your assessment will also include some health education, whereby your practitioner will give you feedback about your diet, weight and activity levels, highlighting areas for improvement.
Who Should Have A Health Assessment?
Children’s health assessments
Children over the age of 3 and under the age of 5 who are receiving childhood vaccinations as part of the National Immunisation Program are eligible for the Health Kids Check.
Adults aged 40-49
- Type 2 diabetes assessments
Adults between the ages of 40 and 49 should have a diabetes type 2 risk assessment every three years. The purpose of this assessment is to evaluate your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Should the assessment indicate that you are at heightened risk of diabetes, your healthcare practitioner will give you lifestyle advice to improve your diet and exercise level. For diabetics, you can check out our post about the best treadmills for home to help you stay shape indoors.
- Chronic disease assessments
Adults aged 40 to 49 should also have a chronic disease assessment to evaluate your risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and hypertension.
Persons with intellectual disabilities
Persons with intellectual disabilities should be evaluated for health risks on an annual basis.
People over the age of 75
People who are over the age of 75 receive an annual health assessment.
What is the purpose of the health assessment?
This assessment is conducted to establish whether there are any underlying health conditions that could be prevented or managed, to improve your quality of life and overall health.
Different Types Of Health Assessments
Your practitioner will conduct an assessment, based on your particular needs. He or she may perform:
Brief health assessment
This is a simple health assessment that is usually concluded in half an hour or less.
Standard health assessment
The standard assessment is a 45-minute session, and it is employed when you need more than a brief assessment, but you do not have any complex health issues that warrant a longer assessment.
Long health assessment
If you present with complex health issues, your healthcare practitioner will order a long health assessment. This assessment is usually completed in an hour.
Prolonged health assessment
This is a complex assessment that is completed when you need a preventative healthcare plan. It usually exceeds 60 minutes in duration. Your healthcare provider will advise you how long to set aside for this consultation, based on the tests you need.
Would you like to find out more about the purpose of health assessment, or how you can adopt a proactive stance towards your health and wellbeing? We would love to hear from you. Please contact our practice for a convenient appointment: (02) 9159 6903.
