A free, comprehensive health assessment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of any age — available every 9 months through your GP.
📋 Sources: MBS Book July 2026 — item 715 ($254.10, 100% benefit), item 92004 (telehealth), item 10987 (nurse follow-up, up to 10/year), items 81300 (AHW services). Explanatory note AN.0.43. NACCHO & RACGP National Guide to a Preventive Health Assessment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People — racgp.org.au. This page provides general information only — not medical advice.
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Free
Funded by Medicare
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Every 9 months
More than once a year
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Any age
Children to elders
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Through your GP
Or community health service
Who is it for?
The 715 health check is available to any person who identifies as being of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent. There is no minimum age — it covers newborns through to elders.
It is available through a GP or prescribed medical practitioner. An Aboriginal health worker or practice nurse can assist with parts of the assessment.
Ear and hearing — particularly important for children
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Eye health — vision check, referral for eye disease if needed
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Oral health — dental check, referral arranged if needed
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Written report — a summary is offered to you, with a plan and follow-up recommendations
The check is tailored to your age, health priorities, and the needs of your community.
📅 When is my next health check due?
Enter the date of your last 715 health check and we\u2019ll show when you\u2019re next eligible.
What happens at the appointment
1
Talk with your GP or health worker Your health priorities come first. The practitioner asks about your health history, any concerns, your family, and what matters most to you.
2
Physical examination Blood pressure, weight, ears, eyes, heart, and lungs. Specific checks depend on your age and health.
3
Tests arranged Blood or urine tests may be ordered. Referrals may be made if needed.
4
Your written report A written summary of findings and a health plan is offered to you. You can share this with family or other health services if you choose.
5
Follow-up care After the check, a practice nurse or Aboriginal health worker can provide up to 10 follow-up services per year (item 10987) on behalf of your GP — at no cost to you.
📹 Can I have my health check by video?
In many cases, yes. The same Medicare-funded health check can be done by video call instead of in person, using telehealth item 92004 (with a GP) or item 92011 (with some other practitioners). A few things are worth knowing:
📹 It must be a video call. A phone-only call is not enough for this particular check.
🏥 Usually with a clinic you have been to before. Telehealth for this check is for patients who already have a relationship with the practice.
💰 Still no cost where your practice bulk bills. It is the same Medicare item, so a bulk-billed video check has no gap for you.
🏠 Available in residential aged care too. Unlike the in-person check, the video version can be claimed for residents of an aged care home.
🔍 Some checks suit video better than others. Parts of a health check can involve a physical examination, so your clinic can tell you whether a video appointment is suitable, or whether it is better to come in.
If getting to a clinic is difficult, ask your GP, nurse, or Aboriginal health worker whether a video health check is an option for you.
What to bring
📋 Medicare card (or healthcare card if you have one)
💊 A list of your current medications, or bring the packets
📁 Any recent test results or specialist letters
👶 For children: immunisation record if available
👪 A support person, family member, or interpreter if helpful
After the health check — what else is available
🔁 Follow-up services (item 10987) — up to 10 follow-up visits per year with a practice nurse or Aboriginal health worker. No extra cost.
💊 Closing the Gap PBS co-payment — if you have a chronic condition, your GP can register you for the CTG scheme, which reduces or removes your PBS medication co-payments.
🤝 Allied health services — the health check can unlock access to subsidised visits including dietitians, physiotherapists, and diabetes educators.
No. The 715 health check is funded by Medicare. When bulk billed — which is the standard approach — there is no gap or out-of-pocket cost. If you are unsure whether your practice bulk bills for this item, ask when booking.
Yes. There is no minimum age — the check is available from birth. For children, the assessment includes growth and development, hearing, vaccinations, nutrition, and wellbeing. A parent or carer is welcome to attend.
Yes. You are welcome to bring a family member, carer, or support person. If English is not your first language, an interpreter can also be arranged — ask the clinic when booking.
Any GP can provide the 715 health check. Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) also provide culturally safe health checks. NACCHO has a finder for ACCHOs near you at naccho.org.au.
Most other Medicare health assessments are annual. The 715 is available every 9 months, reflecting the higher burden of preventable health conditions and the importance of regular preventive care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This means it is possible to have the check slightly more than once a calendar year.
🏠 Looking for a community health service?
Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) provide culturally safe, community-led health care across Australia.