Are annual health exams really
necessary?
There are three primary
objectives with regard to annual health exams, namely to evaluate a patient's
health status, screen for risk factors and disease and provide preventative
counseling interventions in an age-appropriate manner. (1)
But, are annual health exams
really necessary?
In the 1920s the American
Medical Association first proposed a yearly, routine physical examination
(check-up) for healthy patients. There have always been questions
about exactly what to include in routine check-ups and whether they are
beneficial.
An important principle of
clinical medicine is to "do no harm." This is a particular concern
when considering testing and counseling in well persons. (2)
In 1976, the Canadian Task
Force on the Periodic Health Examination was formed to provide a systematic
evaluation and recommendations about periodic health exams. The United States
Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) was formed in 1984, to provide similar
guidelines in the United
States
The necessity of health exams
is not a new controversy around the world. It is currently under increasing
scrutiny, because of the global economic recession. Health care is relatively
expensive everywhere and it includes annual health exams.
Are annual health exams cost effective?
When a person's life is saved
through early diagnosis and treatment, he or she will answer yes to that
question. The majority of medical specialists will give an affirmative answer, also. Others may argue against the necessity of annual health exams, because of
the time and cost involved. Whether to have annual health exams, becomes a
personal decision.
Perhaps you are a person who
always insists on having an annual health exam, in order to protect your
health. Or, maybe you do not like having annual health exams and feel that they
are a waste of your time and money. Be aware that you can decide if you want to
have annual health exams, although most employers, government agencies and
academic institutions, require compulsory, annual health exams.
There is an element of fear
regarding annual health exams, as many people are afraid of doctors and
hospitals, as well as being told that something is not right with their health.
Many people feel that they should not be forced to undergo annual health exams.
If you are person who is afraid
of annual health exams, perhaps some of your fear might be alleviated, if you
understand what an annual health exam entails.
Initially, your physician may
request information about your personal medical history and pertinent family
history. He or she will check your height and weight, blood pressure, pulse and
respirations. He or she will listen to your heart and lungs and assess your
general physical, mental and emotional condition. He or she may test your
hearing and vision. The physician may take blood and urine samples or order
tests like x-rays and mammograms.
For those who want more
information about what happens during a health exam, the physical examination
consists of three modalities to gather information: inspection, auscultation,
and palpation. These methods are applied in a systematic way to the major
systems of the body. Inspection involves observation of the body part being
examined. The general appearance, color, and any other visual characteristics
are noted.
Auscultation involves listening, often with the aid of a
stethoscope. The quality of any sound is noted, including loudness, musical
tones, and effect of change in position. Palpation involves feeling both the
size and texture of organs under examination. The major areas of the body to be
examined are the head and neck, chest, abdomen, extremities, skin,
musculoskeletal system, and nervous system. (4)
Your physician may suggest that
you have immunization for tetanus, diphtheria or flu vaccine. In this era, with
a recent pandemic alert regarding the H1N1 virus, it is increasingly evident
that flu vaccine is important.
This brings up another area of
controversy, as some people feel that immunization, different kinds of tests or
screening, can be harmful to a patient.
Who takes the responsibility
for these kinds of tests?
The patient and clinician
should share the responsibility for weighing risks and benefits when deciding
about screening, diagnostic tests and preventative intervention. (3)
Counseling by a physician, may
be indicated regarding the use of alcohol, tobacco or drugs, as well as
sexually transmitted diseases.
In the western world, most
people choose to have annual health exams and appreciate the fact that they are
able to have proper medical care. Many people in third world countries wish
that they had that opportunity. It is understood by people everywhere, that
annual health exams are instrumental in the prevention of disability or even
death.
But at the same time, with the
current shortage of physicians, many people around the world do not have physicians
and annual physical exams are not possible. Sometimes patients can be assessed
by nurse practitioners or doctor's assistants. Some people may refuse to have
assessments from anyone other than a qualified physician.
Realistically, the cost of
annual health exams, individually and collectively, is relatively high. Those
who have regular annual health exams are protected, at least to some extent,
from medical conditions that can be diagnosed and treated early, like strokes
and heart attacks. Not being treated in many situations, like diabetes, can
mean that a person may suffer permanent impairment.
There is an element of concern
regarding possible endangerment to human lives, when one undergoes medical care
of any kind, in spite of the fact that medical professionals strive to do no
harm and to keep people healthy, even in parts of the world where no one can
pay for health care. Unfortunately, even in the western world, not everyone has
the money to have an annual health exam or the follow-up needed, after an
annual health exam.
Weigh pros and cons of annual
health exams. It is a good idea to consider the reality that annual health
exams might become a luxury only the rich can afford, at some time in the
future, in spite of the fact that it is still being proven daily, that annual
heath exams save lives. Your life might be one of those, so make a wise
decision in this respect. Taking care of your health and that of others is
important.
(1)
http://www.answers.com/topic/periodic-health-examination
(2) Ibid.
(3) Ibid.
(4) Ibid.
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