Men's Health - Complete Care Doctors
When looking at Men's Health, it should be in the context of physical, mental and social wellbeing.
Ideally, men's health should have support from both the medical profession and those family and friends who are closest to the individual.
A GP consultation provides a confidential environment for men, young and old, to discuss their health needs.
Complete Care Doctors can provide for both general health needs and those conditions specific to men.
A range of services for men's health are available, and for those who are eligible, some medical checks are bulk billed.
MEN'S HEALTH CHECK
Times have changed and are men taking a more proactive approach to their health. Beyond the assessments above, Complete Doctors can provide general health checks or consultations to discuss specific health concerns.
For men aged between 45 and 49, Medicare covers this general screening assessment to help minimise the risk of developing chronic disease later in life.
Cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and some cancers have the potential to be identified in the early stages of development. Treatment of these can help minimise the progression of the disease or any associated complications.
PROSTATE HEALTH CHECKUP
Being tested for prostate cancer is a personal choice. As such, your doctor can discuss the benefits and uncertainties of testing along with your level of risk. Risk factors taken into account include your family medical history and individual risk factors for developing the disease.
The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test is the most common way to screen for prostate cancer. Medicare offers one PSA test per year for those without a history of cancer. Multiple PSA tests are available each year for those who do.
HEART HEALTH ASSESSMENT
A heart health check is recommended to all Australians aged 45 and over and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients aged 30 years of age or over. Heart health checks are fully bulk billed for people in those age groups who are current concession card holders.
Family medical history, blood pressure, weight, blood tests and an ECG are taken into account when your GP assesses the risk of a heart attack.
Based on the findings, your doctor will discuss a plan to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.
CHRONIC DISEASE MANAGEMENT
If you have a chronic or terminal medical condition, your GP may suggest a Chronic Disease Management plan. These 'chronic conditions present for six months or more and can include:
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Asthma
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Cancer
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Diabetes
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Arthritis
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Osteoporosis
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Stroke
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Heart Disease
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Kidney Disease
OTHER SCREENING AVAILABLE
Some health checks apply to all, for example bowel cancer screening.
For hearing loss there is a range of government-subsidised services for pensioners, from hearing tests to hearing aids.
Further to this the doctors can provide more general health checks for cholesterol, skin cancer and mental health.
RESOURCES FOR MEN'S HEALTH
There are some helpful Men's Health resources. These are just some of the websites that cover a range of health conditions:
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Healthy Male (Andrology Australia)
Your doctor can also assist in providing information for conditions and treatment and can work with you to ensure your health is optimised. They can also work with and co-ordinate treatment with specialist doctors and allied health services to better manage your health.
Appointments are available with Complete Care Doctors through the bookings page or with our friendly reception staff on 07 3188 9005.