skip to main content

Aboriginal health check — RACGP Fellowship MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, rural medicineAboriginal health checkRACGP Fellowship

A 52‑year‑old Aboriginal man attends for a preventive health check. He smokes, has central obesity and has not had recent blood tests. He lives in a regional town and reports difficulty attending multiple appointments. What is the most appropriate preventive measure?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A — Offer a culturally safe, comprehensive health assessment (MBS Item 715), including cardiovascular, diabetes and kidney risk screening, with flexibility to complete over multiple visits

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults have significantly elevated risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Australian guidance strongly recommends culturally safe comprehensive health assessments (MBS Item 715) from age 18, including screening for blood pressure, lipids, glucose and proteinuria, with reviews at least every 1–2 years. Delivery may be staged over multiple visits to accommodate access challenges, particularly in regional settings. Smoking advice is necessary but insufficient alone. Deferral to age 60, referral to hospital outpatients, or using standard intervals fail to address his high baseline risk and the need for accessible culturally appropriate primary care.

Reference: RACGP/NACCHO. Useful high‑quality MBS Item 715 health checks (2019); Australian Prescriber. Managing cardiovascular disease in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (2010); Department of Health. National KPIs (2025). https://www.racgp.org.au/FSDEDEV/media/documents/Faculties/ATSI/NACCHO-RACGP-resource-high-quality-715-health-check.pdf