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We’re pleased to offer new Medicare-funded health assessments specifically designed for women navigating menopause and perimenopause. These longer, in-depth consultations were introduced by the Federal Government in July 2025 as part of a commitment to improving women’s health, and recognise how challenging this life stage can be.

Common symptoms such as hot flushes, brain fog, mood changes, sleep disturbance, and fatigue can significantly affect day-to-day wellbeing. These Medicare-covered assessmen

ts are designed to better understand and manage these hormonal transitions.

Each consultation runs for at least 20 minutes and includes:

• A comprehensive medical history and menopausal assessment
• Physical examination (including blood pressure, height and weight)
• Discussion of appropriate investigations and referrals — including cervical screening, mammography, bone density scans and ovarian cancer screening advice
• Management planning, covering both non-medication and medication-based strategies
• Preventative health advice on nutrition, physical activity, smoking, alcohol and weight management

At our clinic, Dr Michael Daly works closely with Registered Nurse Monica, who is available to assist during your visit, providing a team-based, supportive approach to your care.

If you are experiencing symptoms of menopause or perimenopause, contact us to book your Medicare-funded assessment today.

Many Australians assume they won’t qualify for government concessions once they retire — particularly if they own assets or have super.

But the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) is based on income only — not assets — and the income limits are surprisingly generous.

Why this matters

Unlike the Age Pension:

• ✅ No assets test
• ✅ Only income matters
• ✅ You can still be working
• ✅ Super balances don’t automatically disqualify you

This means self-funded retirees — even with substantial savings — may still qualify.

Current Income Limits (Approx.)

You may qualify if your annual income is below:

• Single: about $101,105 per year
• Couple (combined): about $161,768 per year
• Couple separated due to illness: about $202,210

There is no assets test for eligibility.

These thresholds are far higher than many people expect — meaning many retirees who assume they are ineligible may actually qualify.

What You Can Save

The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card can provide:

• 💊 Cheaper PBS medications
• 🩺 Potential bulk-billing or reduced medical fees
• ⚡ Utility concessions (state-based)
• 🚍 Transport concessions (state-based)
• 👂 Hearing, dental or other health concessions (varies by state)

These savings can add up to thousands of dollars per year depending on circumstances.

Important: Not the Same as the Victorian Seniors Card

This is often confused with the Victorian Seniors Card, but they are very different.

Commonwealth Seniors Health Card

• Federal Government card
• Income tested (but no assets test)
• Provides PBS medication discounts
• May allow bulk-billing or reduced medical fees
• Can provide significant financial savings

Victorian Seniors Card

• Victorian State Government card
• Not income tested
• Mainly provides retail discounts and transport concessions
• No PBS medication benefits
• Usually offers modest savings rather than major health cost reductions

Many people have the Victorian Seniors Card and assume they already have all available concessions — but the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card is often far more valuable.

Who Should Consider Applying?

You may qualify if you:

• Are Age Pension age (currently 67)
• Do not receive the Age Pension
• Have moderate income but significant assets
• Are a self-funded retiree
• Still work part-time

Many eligible Australians never apply simply because they assume their assets disqualify them — which is not the case.

Apply or Learn More

Official Services Australia link:

👉 Commonwealth Seniors Health Card — Services Australia

A Quietly Valuable Benefit

The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card is one of the most under-recognised concessions available to older Australians — particularly self-funded retirees.

Given the generous income limits and absence of an assets test, it’s worth checking eligibility even if you think you won’t qualify.

New medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists are increasingly being used to assist with weight loss. These include:

• Wegovy (semaglutide)
• Mounjaro (tirzepatide)

These medications work by:

• Reducing appetite
• Increasing feelings of fullness
• Slowing stomach emptying
• Improving blood sugar control

Many patients experience significant weight loss, particularly when combined with dietary changes and lifestyle adjustments.

Tablet Versions May Be Coming

At present, most of these medications are given as weekly injections.

However, tablet (oral) versions are being developed and may become more widely available in the future, which may make treatment easier for some patients.

An Important Consideration — Coming Off Treatment

One important issue with these medications is what happens when they are stopped.

Research and clinical experience suggest that:

• Appetite often returns
• Weight regain can occur
• Long-term lifestyle support becomes important

For this reason, if stopping medication is planned, it is usually best done gradually, where possible, and with a structured plan in place.

Dietitian Support is Often Helpful

We often recommend dietitian consultation when starting or stopping these medications.

A dietitian can assist with:

• Sustainable eating patterns
• Maintaining weight loss
• Preventing weight regain
• Healthy nutritional intake

This support can make a significant difference to long-term success.

Mental Health and Eating Patterns

Weight gain and eating patterns are sometimes influenced by:

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Low mood
• Emotional eating
• Sleep disruption

If any of these factors may be contributing, counselling or psychological support may also be helpful.

Addressing these underlying issues can help ensure more sustainable long-term outcomes.

Is This Treatment Suitable?

These medications are not suitable for everyone, and decisions should be made individually after discussion.

Factors considered include:

• Current weight and BMI
• Other medical conditions
• Current medications
• Previous weight loss attempts
• Long-term goals

If You Would Like to Discuss Further

If you would like to discuss whether GLP-1 medications such as Wegovy or Mounjaro may be appropriate for you, please feel free to make an appointment.

We are happy to discuss:

• Benefits and risks
• Availability
• Cost considerations
• Long-term management strategies

Hampton & South Medical Centre

Supporting sustainable, healthy weight management