About Us | Privacy | Site Map
February 9, 2012
Font Size
A
A
A
2
...

Checkup (cont.)

Medical Author:
Medical Editor:
Medical Editor:
Medical Editor:

A Checkup: How Often?

In the past, most medical groups advocated an annual health exam. However, more recently, the American Medical Association and other similar groups have moved away from the yearly exam. They now suggest that medical checkups be referred to as Periodic Health Assessments or Examinations and that they be performed every 5 years until age 40 and every 1-3 years thereafter.

Most people younger than 40 years are generally free from diseases that could be diagnosed by physical examination alone. In this age group, health problems usually show specific signs or symptoms that would prompt you to seek medical attention. Also, a lot of the testing that was done routinely in the past has not been found to be cost-effective and, in some cases, causes unnecessary anxiety.

  • Purpose of the periodic health examination

    • As primary prevention

    • To identify risk factors for common chronic diseases

    • To detect disease that has no apparent symptoms (secondary prevention)

    • As a way for the doctor to counsel people to promote healthy behavior

    • To update clinical data since last checkup

    • To enhance the relationship between you and your doctor

Next Page:
2
...

Women's Health

Find out what women really need.




Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Bone Marrow Transplantation, Long-Term Effects »

Many children are surviving hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) and require long-term follow-up care.

Read More on Medscape Reference »

Medical Dictionary


Use Pill Finder Find it Now

Pill Identifier on RxList

  • quick,
    easy,
    pill identification

Find a Local Pharmacy

  • including
    24 hour
    pharmacies