The Midlife Health Check

It's a comprehensive, GP-led review of your health in your 40s, 50s or beyond. Rather than a single test, it brings together your medical and family history, lifestyle, cardiovascular and metabolic health, cancer screening, bone health and more, so you understand where your health stands and what to focus on next.

Commonly a blood pressure and cardiovascular risk check, cholesterol and blood glucose, a review of cancer screening (such as cervical, and bowel screening which is available from 45), a check that vaccinations are up to date, and a conversation about weight, sleep, alcohol and mental wellbeing. What's right for you depends on your history and risk factors, which is what the consultation works out.

The 40s checks continue, and a few things come into sharper focus: bowel cancer screening (the national program covers ages 45 to 74), closer attention to cardiovascular and diabetes risk, bone health for some people, and menopause or prostate considerations where relevant. The point of the check is to tailor this to you rather than run a fixed list.

It depends on your age, history and risk factors. Commonly considered are cholesterol and other lipids and blood glucose or HbA1c (for cardiovascular and diabetes risk), with selected tests such as kidney function, liver function or iron studies where they're clinically useful. Blood tests are chosen for you rather than ordered as a set battery, and part of the value is knowing which tests you don't need.

Usually, yes, but not always, and not the same tests for everyone. I recommend the pathology that's appropriate for your age, history and risk factors, and explain why each one is worth doing.

Not everyone does. A DEXA scan measures bone density and is worth considering if you have risk factors for osteoporosis or reach an age where it's recommended. We'll discuss whether it's appropriate for you rather than assuming it.

A heart (cardiovascular) health check looks at blood pressure, cholesterol and your overall risk, and it's a sensible part of a midlife review, particularly if heart disease runs in your family. Where it's clinically appropriate, I can arrange further assessment such as an ECG.

In Australia this commonly includes cervical screening (ages 25 to 74), bowel cancer screening (the national program covers ages 45 to 74), and breast screening for women in the relevant age range. A family history or symptoms may mean you need earlier or different checks rather than routine screening. I'll check what's due for you and help arrange anything that's been missed.

Alongside the general checks, this often includes cervical and breast screening, a conversation about perimenopause or menopause, and attention to bone and cardiovascular health, which change around this stage. See our women's health page for more.

The general checks apply, with added attention to cardiovascular and diabetes risk, and a discussion of prostate health where it's relevant to you. Many men haven't seen a GP in years, so it's also a chance to catch up on anything overdue.

How often a review is useful depends on your age, your risk factors, your previous results and which screening is due, rather than a fixed schedule for everyone. Some things are worth monitoring more often, and I'll tell you when it makes sense to check again.

Yes. I arrange the appropriate investigations, bring the results together, and review them with you as a whole, rather than leaving you to organise tests and interpret them on your own.

A DEXA scan is arranged through your GP, so we organise the referral as part of your check if it's appropriate for you. Whether Medicare contributes to the cost depends on your circumstances, which we can talk through.

The check is usually done over more than one visit: an initial consultation to understand your health and arrange any tests, then a results appointment to go through everything and agree a plan. Booking a longer appointment to start gives us the time to do it properly.

This is a private billing practice, so consultations are privately billed rather than bulk billed, and patients with a valid Medicare card are eligible for a Medicare rebate. The fee depends on the length and type of appointment, and any tests or scans may have their own costs. You're welcome to call the practice to talk through the cost before you book. See our fees page for more.