Indigenous Health Services
What are Indigenous Health Services?
Indigenous Health Services refer to medical care and support designed specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. These services are delivered in a culturally safe, respectful, and inclusive way, recognising the unique traditions, histories, and experiences of Indigenous communities. Health is viewed holistically, meaning not only caring for the body, but also supporting emotional, social, and spiritual well-being.
Our practice is dedicated to closing the health gap by making healthcare more accessible, personalised, and culturally appropriate. Whether it is routine health checks, chronic disease management, or mental health support, our goal is to empower Indigenous patients to live healthier, longer lives.
Who is Suitable for Indigenous Health Services?
Indigenous Health Services are suitable for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, regardless of age, background, or health status. These services are designed to support:
- Children and families: Early health checks, vaccinations, and developmental support.
- Young people: Preventive care, mental health support, and health education.
- Adults: Ongoing care for chronic conditions, preventive screening, and lifestyle advice.
- Elders: Respectful, tailored care to maintain quality of life and independence.
These services also benefit Indigenous families who may need help navigating the healthcare system, linking with community supports, or understanding Medicare initiatives such as Closing the Gap.
Benefits of Indigenous Health Services
Accessing Indigenous Health Services provides a wide range of benefits:
- Culturally safe care: Patients feel respected, heard, and supported in their health journey.
- Early detection of illness: Regular Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Assessments help identify issues early.
- Better management of chronic conditions: Tailored plans improve long-term health and reduce complications.
- Improved mental health and well-being: Access to counselling and social supports reduces stress and builds resilience.
- Health equity: Services aim to reduce the health gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
- Community connection: Patients are supported in linking with community resources, strengthening both health and cultural identity.
Types of Indigenous Health Services
Our practice offers a broad range of services, including:
- Comprehensive Health Checks: Annual Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Assessments (MBS 715) to review physical, emotional, and social wellbeing.
- Chronic Disease Management: Individualised plans for conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, respiratory illness, and kidney disease.
- Mental Health Support: Care plans, counselling, and referrals for social and emotional wellbeing.
- Preventive Care: Vaccinations, cancer screening, lifestyle education, and advice on healthy eating, exercise, and smoking cessation.
- Care Coordination: Support to access community programs, allied health providers, and specialists.
- Closing the Gap Initiatives: Assisting with programs that aim to improve healthcare access and reduce financial barriers.
What to Do Before an Indigenous Health Service Appointment?
Before your appointment, you may wish to:
- Bring Medicare details: To ensure bulk-billed services are applied where available.
- Prepare medical information: Write down any current medications, symptoms, or questions you’d like to discuss.
- Bring previous health records: If you have results from recent tests or hospital visits, bring copies for your GP.
- Consider family involvement: You may bring a family member, carer, or support person for cultural comfort.
These steps will help you and your GP make the most of your consultation.
What Happens During an Indigenous Health Service Appointment?
During your appointment, your GP will provide care in a supportive, respectful, and inclusive environment. Depending on your needs, your visit may include:
- Health Assessment: A review of physical, emotional, and social well-being, along with medical history and risk factors.
- Physical Examination: Checking blood pressure, heart health, weight, and other important measures.
- Preventive Screening: Blood tests, cancer checks, and other screening as needed.
- Chronic Disease Review: Updating your management plan and adjusting treatments if necessary.
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Check: Talking about emotional health and connecting with counselling or community services if needed.
- Care Planning: Coordinating referrals to allied health, community support, or specialist services.
All care is delivered in a culturally safe way, respecting each patient’s values and preferences.
What to Expect After an Indigenous Health Service Appointment?
After your appointment, you can expect:
- Follow-up care: Regular check-ins to monitor health and adjust care plans.
- Referrals: Guidance to access allied health providers such as physiotherapists, dietitians, or psychologists.
- Community support: Connection to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community organisations and programs.
- Health education: Information and advice to help you take control of your health and well-being.
We aim to provide ongoing, supportive care — not just a one-time visit.
Indigenous Health Services Prognosis
With the right care, Indigenous patients can experience:
- Improved management of chronic health conditions.
- Reduced hospital admissions.
- Better emotional and social well-being.
- Increased life expectancy and quality of life.
Prognosis is greatly improved when patients attend regular health checks, follow preventive care advice, and engage with culturally safe health services.
Indigenous Health Services Risks
There are no medical risks in accessing Indigenous Health Services. However, without regular care, there may be risks such as:
- Delayed diagnosis of serious conditions.
- Poor management of chronic illnesses.
- Higher risk of preventable hospitalisations.
- Ongoing health inequalities.
By engaging with Indigenous Health Services, these risks can be reduced significantly.
What if Indigenous Health Services are Delayed?
Delaying care may lead to worsening health problems. For example:
- Chronic diseases may progress without management.
- Preventable conditions may go undetected.
- Mental health issues may worsen without support.
Accessing care early helps prevent complications, promotes wellness, and strengthens long-term health outcomes.
Cost of Indigenous Health Services
Many Indigenous Health Services are bulk billed under Medicare. This means you often do not need to pay out-of-pocket for:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Assessments (MBS 715).
- Chronic disease management plans.
- Mental health care plans.
- Immunisations and preventive health checks.
Some services, such as specialist referrals or allied health appointments, may incur additional costs; however, patients may be eligible for rebates or Closing the Gap programs to help reduce these expenses.
Our reception team can help confirm your eligibility and explain any costs before your appointment.