Complete Health Evaluation

Medical research has revealed several areas where screening for specific diseases can yield information that can prevent or delay disease if we would change our lifestyle. Occasionally it is possible to predict your likelihood of developing certain disease states.  Therefore, periodic physicals are an important part of your healthcare.

The following is a list of items included in a complete physical examination and the intervals at which they should be done. After the initial complete evaluation only certain high risk areas will be re-evaluated annually. (For example, in female patients only breast, pelvic & pap smears will be done on an annual basis).  The list includes:

Past Medical History - Several pages of yes/no questions designed to be reviewed by the doctor to summarize your complete medical past; this supplements all old medical records.

Physical Measurements - vital signs, visual acuity, hearing test, spirometry (lung capacity in all smokers and over 40), electrocardiogram (done in all over 40 or with high blood pressure or heart disease), colonoscopy (colon and rectum exam in over 50 or abnormal stool tests).

Immunizations - Tetanus must have a booster every 10 years. Tuberculosis skin test should be repeated every 2 to 5 years depending on exposure. Influenza vaccine is given yearly in those at risk.  Pneumovax, for the prevention of pneumonia is given to those over 65 or with lung diseases. Hepatitis vaccine is for high risk individuals or health care workers.

Blood Profiles - 35 individual tests of the blood including screening of fats (cholesterol and triglycerides), electrolytes, kidney function, liver, bone, muscle, bone marrow (anemia), nutrition, diabetes, gouty arthritis, syphilis, thyroid, metabolism, infection (must be drawn after fasting for 10 hours with nothing by mouth except water).