Medicare Introduces New Health Checks for Three-Year-Old Children
02 Nov 2026
The service became available on 1 November and allows GPs to provide one health check during a child's lifetime to every three-year-old who is eligible for Medicare.
GPs can use existing Medicare health assessment items 701–707 to provide the checks. Other authorised medical practitioners can use items 224–227.
The check follows years of calls from the RACGP and a recommendation from the Thriving Kids Advisory Group. It aims to help children receive early support before starting primary school.
During the appointment, GPs can review a child's physical, social and emotional development and general wellbeing. They can also look for possible health concerns, developmental delays or neurodevelopmental differences.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright has encouraged parents to arrange the check with their GP. He said the new service recognises the importance of GPs in preventing health problems and supporting children's development.
He added that giving GPs enough time with children and their parents can help identify concerns early and connect families with the right support before school begins.
The return of these Medicare-funded checks comes more than 10 years after similar checks for four-year-olds were removed.
The new service also follows the launch of the Federal Government's $2 billion Thriving Kids program, which began rolling out in October. The initiative aims to support children aged eight and under with low to moderate support needs and strengthen the role of primary care in child development.
Federal Health and Ageing Minister Mark Butler said the new health check would help GPs identify children who may need extra support and give families clearer guidance about their child's health and development.
Medicare Introduces New Health Checks for Three-Year-Old Children
Source: RACGP