By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
Victoria’s acting Health Services Commissioner has urged Geelong residents to visit doctors instead of signing up for expensive medical screening tests.
Dr Grant Davies issued the advice as private company Screen for Life marketed its services in Geelong, inviting residents to screening clinics.
The company has operated three clinics in the region since late April, with its $225 stroke tests ineligible for a Medicare rebate.
Dr Davies said a broad-based screening approach was “not warranted” in the absence of any clinical health issues.
“We would always encourage people to see a medical practitioner and have diagnostic screening tests performed on basis of clinical need.”
Dr Davies said Screen for Life had been referred to Consumer Affairs Victoria because “it may be a consumer issue more than a health issue”.
Screen for Life has also come to the attention of health services commissioners in New South Wales and the ACT.
ACT Health Services Commissioner Mary Durkin said the testing might be unnecessary and the results could be questioned.
The marketing material, aimed at over 50s, was “emotive”, she said.
A Screen for Life spokesperson said the company offered preventative health screening by qualified sonographers and nurses.
“Screen for Life staff are licensed to practice their speciality and operate to strict clinical guidelines,” she said.
The screening was aimed at people with one or more risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
“Tests for people who do not have symptoms but have risk factors or are concerned are not typically covered by Medicare, hence the need for Screen for Life’s service. If the screening tests show demonstrable signs of further risk factors patients are advised to consult their health practitioner about follow-up diagnostic tests and treatment.”
The spokesperson said the new approach was needed in Australia to reduce cardiovascular disease.
