Published 12 Aug 2025
We (should) all know that routine check-ups are important for staying on top of our health but just how regular is regular, and what really happens at these appointments? GMHBA health professionals guide us through their recommendations for regular check-ups, so you can add these to your calendar for the year ahead.
1. How often should I see my doctor?
If you think you only need to visit a doctor’s clinic when you’re feeling unwell, think again! It is recommended that you have a health check-up every one to three years for those that are generally healthy and aged under 50, increasing to once a year when you turn 50. Regardless of your age, if you have or are at higher risk of developing a chronic condition, are taking certain medications or have a history of poor health, your doctor might suggest more frequent check-ups.
A routine check-up will usually include a review of your medical history and your doctor may talk to you about your alcohol intake, diet, physical activity, smoking and weight and any major changes since your last visit. They may conduct a physical exam and order blood or other screening tests depending on your age, sex, current health and lifestyle. Your doctor can also ensure you’re up to date with your vaccinations, perform skin checks and refer you to a specialist if needed.
Early detection, treatment and monitoring are key for so many conditions and having a regular check-up can help you and your doctor monitor any changes in your health. Remember to be honest and open with your doctor to make sure you’re getting the most out of your visit and together you can improve the likelihood of you living a long, healthy life.
2. How often should I get a dental check-up?
Chances are if you have a toothache, the issue has been there for some time and could have been prevented or managed with regular dental check-ups. Most oral health conditions show little or no symptoms in the early stages and only rear their painful – and often, expensive – head once they’ve advanced.
The GMHBA Dental Care team recommends a routine check-up every six months to one year, depending on your dental health, hygiene practices and any risk factors present. You may need to book in more frequently if you:
- have a history of tooth decay
- have loose or lost teeth
- have an existing oral health condition such as gum disease
- have a general health condition that causes changes to your mouth, e.g., diabetes, anaemia, pregnancy
- are a smoker, or
- are undergoing orthodontic treatment.
During a dental check-up, your dentist or Oral Health Therapist will thoroughly examine your teeth, including any existing fillings, your gums and mouth. They may take x-rays of your teeth to check for any potential problems under the surface and at the roots of the teeth, your jaw and supporting bone and any unerupted teeth. Routine dental check-ups usually include a clean of your teeth which your dentist, Oral Health Therapist or dental hygienist can perform. Professional teeth cleaning helps to remove any plaque or hardened tartar that cannot be removed by regular teeth brushing and flossing (or ‘interdental cleaning’).
This important deep-cleaning coupled with a thorough examination can help to keep any potential oral health conditions such as tooth decay or periodontitis at bay and through the early identification of any issues, help your dentist devise a treatment plan to keep your gums, teeth and mouth at their best.
With many general health conditions now linked to the health of our mouths, there has never been a better time to keep on top of your oral hygiene and book in for your next check-up today.
3. How often should I have my eyes examined?
Having trouble reading the menu or that sign in the distance? For a lot of people this is the sign they need to schedule an eye test but as we’ve covered above, it is often the asymptomatic (symptomless) or ‘invisible’ changes that we should be trying to catch with regular checks. Consider these statistics if you’re delaying your next eye examination:
- Over 300,000 Australians are estimated to have glaucoma (‘the silent thief of sight’) but 50% of people are unaware that they have it.
- By age 40, about 1 in 200 people have glaucoma and by age 80, this increases to 1 in 8.
- At least 1 in 7 Australians over the age of 50, or approximately 1.4 million people, have some evidence of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD or AMRD).
- You can have AMD in its early stage and not have any impact to your vision, but this can still be picked up in an eye examination.
GMHBA optometrists Natalie Stocki and Andrew Varga recommend an eye examination every two years for most people aged under 65, but this depends on your age, current vision and more frequent appointments will be needed if you require closer monitoring or treatment for an existing eye condition.
Eye examinations can take up to 30 minutes and typically include a conversation about your vision and any changes you may have noticed, questions about your general health and any conditions or medications that may play a role such as high blood pressure or cholesterol or diabetes, as well as your family history. The risk of developing conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration increase significantly if you have a family member with the disease, so it is important to share any relevant information with your optometrist. They will then test your vision and examine both the inside and outside of your eyes to check for any conditions that may be present. They may recommend additional imaging or an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scan to assist with the diagnosis and management of eye conditions including glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.
After the examination, your optometrist will talk you through the results – these are usually available instantly – and discuss any supports that may be recommended such as prescription glasses for new wearers, changes to your existing prescription or alternatives that you may find suitable, like contact lenses.
4. When should I see a physiotherapist?
Did you know that a physiotherapist can do more than just help you recover from surgery or a sporting injury? We are trained to offer you both education and support for a range of issues affecting your body to help you maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. GMHBA Physiotherapy Manager William Green discusses some common issues that he sees in the clinic;
- Postural pain – Even the most active amongst us will sometimes find ourselves hunched over a screen, slumped on the couch or trapped in the car on a long road trip. Sustained postures can lead to lingering aches and pains in the back, neck and hips. A physio can help detect any areas for improvement to get you back on track.
- Headaches – In some cases, headaches can be caused by joint stiffness or muscular tension, something that we can both assess & treat! Physiotherapy can be highly effective for the treatment of
- Sleep – Did you know that adults need between seven and nine hours in bed each night for adequate recovery? Muscular and joint pain can interfere with obtaining sufficient sleep and in turn make you more susceptible to those same aches and pains the following day. Your physio can not only help alleviate these complaints but also help you institute better sleep practices as well.
- Injury prevention – Are you worried about how your body will react to returning to regular exercise or picking up a new sport? Our physiotherapists are trained in injury prevention and load management to help guide you on your fitness journey.
- Mobility – Decreased range of motion, muscular flexibility and balance are all common complaints as we age. Completing an appropriate assessment with a physiotherapist can provide you with a tailored approach to addressing anything that might be holding you back from doing the things you love.
As primary healthcare providers, physiotherapists play a significant role in the health of the community, both acutely and preventatively. If you have been struggling with pain, would like to get back into exercise or simply would like to discuss an issue with speak with a physiotherapist or your doctor for a recommendation.
GMHBA Physiotherapy practices are located at GMHBA Hubs in High Street Belmont and Moorabool Street Geelong.
Now you’ve heard from the experts, plan for your next check-up today!
Benefits towards dental, optical (prescription glasses) and physiotherapy are included in many GMHBA extras products and listed in your fact sheet. Waiting periods, annual limits and sublimits apply. Log in to the GMHBA app or your online member area to find out more.
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