This blog post aims to educate on the eligibility requirements for the 40-49 year old health assessment for patients at risk of Diabetes. It aims to empower GPs and their staff with a more comprehensive understanding of the targeted nature of this Medicare benefit.
The AUSDRISK Assessment Tool
Central to this evaluation is the Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool (AUSDRISK). Completed within the three months preceding the risk evaluation, AUSDRISK is a set of questions offering insight into a patient's risk of developing type 2 diabetes over the next five years. With a score exceeding 12 being a key threshold, the tool becomes mandatory for patient access to the health assessment.
Components of the 40-49 year old Health Assessment
The type 2 diabetes risk evaluation includes several crucial components:
Evaluation of 'High Risk' Score: Utilising AUSDRISK results.
Update of Patient's History: Comprehensive examination and investigations in line with guidelines.
Overall Risk Assessment: Synthesis of risk factors and investigation results.
Initiation of Interventions: Referrals and follow-up services for identified risk factors.
Patient Advice and Information: Empowering patients with strategies for lifestyle and behavior changes.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligible patients must meet specific criteria, including:
Age Range: Individuals aged 40 to 49 years (inclusive).
AUSDRISK Score: A score exceeding 12 on the Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool.
No Recent 45-49 Health Assessment: Patients should not have undergone the 45-49-year-old health assessment with a risk of chronic disease in the last three years.
Eligibility and Rebate Information
A Medicare rebate is applicable once every three years. The rebate is not payable in conjunction with another attendance item on the same day unless clinically required. Notably, the evaluation is not available for admitted hospital patients.
Medical practitioners opting for type 2 diabetes risk evaluations may choose from MBS Item 701 (brief), 703 (standard), 705 (long), or 707 (prolonged) based on consultation duration and patient complexity.
Guidelines and Resources
Medical practitioners are encouraged to leverage relevant guidelines and resources, such as the AUSDRISK tool and SNAP (Smoking, Nutrition, Alcohol, and Physical activity) - a comprehensive guide to behavioural risk factors in general practice.
Our Template
On the hunt for a template to upload into BP or MD to use for the 40-49 Diabetes risk health assessment?
We have one!