ATSI – Screening

The recommended activities are often more intensive for ATSI people due to the higher prevalence of certain health issues in these populations. The recommendations focus on a holistic approach to care that takes into account the social, emotional, cultural, and physical aspects of health.

  1. General Health Assessment: An annual health assessment (MBS Item 715) is recommended for all ATSI people. This includes a comprehensive assessment of physical, psychological, and social well-being, as well as risk factor assessment for common conditions.
  2. Cardiovascular Risk Assessment: Due to higher rates of cardiovascular disease among ATSI populations, cardiovascular risk assessments are recommended from age 18 years (compared to 45 years for non-ATSI).
  3. Diabetes Screening: Type 2 diabetes is more common in ATSI populations. For ATSI, we proceed directly to Fasting BSL and HbA1c from age 18 years (compared to 45 for the non-ATSI).
    • Note that we do not use AUSDRISK.
  4. Chronic Kidney Disease: Kidney health check annually from age 18 years
    • BP (Blood pressure)
    • ACR (Albumin-to-creatinine ratio)
      • If positive, repeat x 2 over the next 3 months.
    • eGFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate)
  5. Chronic Respiratory Conditions: Clinical assessment for symptoms of chronic respiratory conditions, such as COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), especially in smokers or ex-smokers.
  6. Liver Disease: Consider screening for hepatitis B and C in individuals who are at risk.
  7. Eye Health: Given the higher prevalence of certain eye diseases, regular eye checks are recommended for ATSI people.
  8. Hearing Health: Regular hearing assessments are also suggested, especially in children, due to the higher prevalence of ear disease.
  9. Mental Health: Given the higher rates of psychological distress, regular mental health screening and culturally appropriate care are recommended.
  10. Lifestyle Factors: Assessments related to SNAP-O.
  11. Immunisation: ATSI people should follow the standard immunisation schedule, but they also qualify for additional vaccines due to higher risk:
    1. BCG @ birth
    2. Meningococcal B @ 2, 4, 12 months (+6 months for at-risk)
    3. Extra pneumococcal 13V @ 6/12
    4. Extra pneumococcal 23V @ 4 years and @ 9 years
    5. Annual influenza vaccination (unlike 5-65 break for non-ATSI)
    6. Hepatitis A @ 18/12 and @ 4 years
    7. The 13V pneumococcal vaccine @ 50 years of age (unlike @ 70 for non-ATSI) followed up with 23V pneumococcal vaccine @ 51 years and @ 56 years.
    8. Shingrix early @50 (2 doses 2-6 months apart)