Screening tests during periodic “well visits” are tools your health care provider uses for early detection of common and potentially deadly diseases, such as cancer,
diabetes, and
heart disease. These tests, performed as part of routine health exams, can help detect certain illnesses in their earliest and most curable stages, even before you are aware of any symptoms.
Your provider will use the opportunity to review your risk factors for common chronic diseases and remind you of what you can do to avoid illness and injury as well as monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood glucose, weight, and height. Tests will be ordered based on your risk factors. Your medications and need for immunizations also need to be reviewed periodically as well as your vision and hearing. You can guard your health in your older years by scheduling such a checkup every 1 to 2 years.
For more information on preventive medicine and steps you can take to keep you and your family healthy, read Staying Healthy in an Era of Patient Responsibility.
Sources
Alvi MR. Checkup. 2004 Jul 13 (updated). Available on the Internet at the eMedicine Consumer Health web siteunder the “Public Health” heading: http://emedicinehealth.com/articles/11809-8asp. Accessed October 19, 2004.
American Academy of Family Physicians. Preventive services for healthy living. 2003 Mar (reviewed/updated). Available on the Internet at http://familydoctor.org/x1548.xml. Accessed October 19, 2004.
American Academy of Family Physicians. Summary of policy recommendations for periodic health examinations. Leawood, Kansas. 2003 Aug. Available on the Internet at http://www.guidelines.gov/summary/summary.aspx?doc_id=4183&nbr=3208. Accessed July 19, 2004.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Immunization Program, United States Department of Health and Human Services. Recommendations: adult immunization schedule. Available on the Internet at http://www.cdc.gov/nip/recs/adult-schedule.htm. Accessed October 19, 2004.
