The 3-Year-Old Health Check: What Parents Need to Know
Medicare Healthy Kids Check
From 1 November 2026, eligible three-year-old children can access the new Medicare Healthy Kids Check at Growlife Medical.
This 60-minute health check is fully bulk-billed for eligible children and includes 30 minutes with an experienced nurse, followed by 30 minutes with a GP. It provides an opportunity to review your child’s growth, health and development, discuss any concerns and identify whether additional support may be helpful.
Book your child's 3-Year-Old Health Check here!
What Is the Medicare Healthy Kids Check?
The Medicare Healthy Kids Check is part of the Australian Government’s Thriving Kids initiative. It aims to support children’s development by identifying potential concerns early and helping families access appropriate advice and services.
Every child develops at their own pace. The check provides an opportunity to understand how your child is progressing and discuss any questions you may have about their health, behaviour or development.
What Happens During a 3-Year-Old Health Check?
The appointment takes approximately 60 minutes and is divided between a nurse and your GP.
30 Minutes with a Nurse
The nurse will review your child’s general health, growth and development. Depending on your child’s needs, this may include:
- Measuring height and weight to assess growth.
- Discussing eating habits, nutrition and sleep.
- Checking hearing and vision where appropriate.
- Discussing speech, language, movement and developmental milestones.
- Exploring social and emotional development, play and behaviour.
30 Minutes with Your GP
Your GP will review relevant findings, discuss any concerns and answer your questions. They can provide practical advice, arrange further assessment or recommend referrals where needed.
You can also use this time to discuss anything you have noticed at home, including changes in behaviour, difficulties with sleep, speech concerns or challenges with everyday activities.
Why Is the 3-Year-Old Health Check Important?
At three years old, children are developing important skills that help them communicate, build relationships, learn and become more independent.
A health check can help identify areas where a child may benefit from extra support. It also gives parents an opportunity to raise concerns they may not have discussed during previous appointments.
Early support can help families understand their child’s needs and explore appropriate services. It is also an opportunity to check in on general health, nutrition, sleep and wellbeing.
The check does not mean something is necessarily wrong. It is a proactive way to support your child as they grow.
What If I Have Concerns About My Child’s Development?
If you have concerns about your child’s speech, behaviour, social interaction or development, let your nurse and GP know during the appointment.
They can discuss your concerns, assess whether further investigation may be appropriate and help you understand the next steps. Depending on your child’s needs, this may include additional assessments or referrals to relevant health professionals.
The check is not, by itself, a diagnosis of conditions such as autism or ADHD. If you have questions about these conditions, your GP can discuss your concerns and explain the assessment options available.
How Can I Prepare for the 3-Year-Old Health Check?
You do not need to do anything special to prepare. However, it may help to:
- Bring your child’s Personal Health Record (Red Book), if you have one.
- Think about any questions or concerns you would like to discuss.
- Consider how your child is progressing with speech, play, sleep, eating and everyday activities.
- Bring details of any relevant medical history or previous assessments.
You know your child best, so sharing your observations can help your healthcare team understand their needs.
Who Is Eligible for the Medicare Healthy Kids Check?
The check is intended for eligible children aged three. Under the announced eligibility criteria, children can access it from their third birthday until the day before their fourth birthday.
The check is available once per eligible child. Eligibility and Medicare claiming requirements apply, so please confirm these when booking.
If your child is approaching their fourth birthday, contact your clinic to discuss eligibility and appointment availability.
Is the 3-Year-Old Health Check Bulk-Billed?
Yes. The 60-minute Medicare Healthy Kids Check is fully bulk-billed for Medicare-eligible children who meet the eligibility requirements.
This includes 30 minutes with a nurse and 30 minutes with a GP. If any additional appointments or services are recommended, your healthcare team can explain the arrangements and any applicable costs.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 3-Year-Old Health Check
Can the Health Check Identify Autism or ADHD?
The check can provide an opportunity to discuss developmental concerns, including differences in communication, behaviour or social interaction. It does not diagnose autism or ADHD. Your GP can advise whether further assessment is appropriate.
What If My Child Is Nearly Four?
The announced eligibility period runs from your child’s third birthday until the day before their fourth birthday. Contact your clinic as soon as possible to confirm eligibility and availability.
Should I Bring My Child’s Red Book?
Yes, if you have it. Your child’s Personal Health Record can help your healthcare team review their growth, development and relevant health history.
Is the Appointment Really 60 Minutes?
Yes. The check is designed to include 30 minutes with a nurse and 30 minutes with a GP.
Book Your Child’s 3-Year-Old Health Check in Brisbane
The Medicare Healthy Kids Check is an opportunity to check in on your child’s health and development and discuss any questions you may have.
Growlife Medical offers the check at our Highgate Hill, Sherwood, Oxley, Fairfield and Sinnamon Park clinics.
Book your child’s health check through our website: https://www.growmedical.com.au/bookings
If you are unsure whether your child is eligible, contact your preferred Growlife Medical clinic for more information.
Medicare eligibility and claiming requirements apply. Please confirm eligibility and appointment availability with your clinic.
Why Choose Growlife Medical for Your Child’s Health Check?
At Growlife Medical, we understand that every child develops differently and every family has their own questions and priorities. Our multidisciplinary team works together to support children’s health and wellbeing, from early childhood through to adulthood.
Our team includes GPs, nurses, paediatric and allied health professionals who can help families navigate health and developmental concerns and access further support when needed.
Growlife Medical’s commitment to quality general practice was recognised when we were named Australian General Practice of the Year in 2024 by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).
Our co-founder, Dr Aaron Chambers, also co-authored A Guide to the 3-Year-Old Health Check for General Practice, published in the Australian Journal of General Practice in September 2026.
We look forward to supporting your family through this important stage of your child’s development.
