Most people tend to avoid medical check-ups out of fear of being diagnosed with a serious disease. Or, they might have a general fear of doctors or hospitals. This kind of reaction is not uncommon.
If seeing a doctor and getting a check-up is stressful for you, it could be a good idea to read up on what a medical check-up consists of. Also, when you familiarize yourself with some of the equipment used, it makes it less frightening. Here you can find laboratory equipment, and that should make the idea of seeing a doctor a little less stressful.
In this article, you will find a short guide to medical check-ups, ranging from the definition of a medical check-up and what it includes to how long it takes, and more.
What Is A Medical Check-Up?
Generally speaking, a medical check-up is a process that involves checking the overall health of an individual. This includes checking the vital signs and performing tests to look for common diseases or infections. A medical check-up can be done by a doctor or, should an individual feel concerned about their health, they can visit a molecular diagnostic company.
What Does A Medical Check-Up Include?
Medical check-ups usually include a series of tests that can check for different conditions. Some of these tests are:
- Vital sign measurements – This consists of taking the heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and respiration rate. These measurements are extremely important in the early detection of many types of illnesses.
- Abdominal exam – This is done to check for soreness or tenderness or to see if there is any inflammation in the liver.
- Testing muscle strength and reflexes
- Tests for diseases – depending on where you are getting your medical check-up done, different tests may be performed. For example, if you are getting a check-up at a primary care facility, then the tests could include BMI measurement, blood count and screening tests (such as PSA test).
How Often Should You Have a Medical Check-Up?
While there is no standard answer to how often you should get medical check-ups in particular, it is important to remember that the earlier you catch any disease or illness the better your chances of effectively treating them and their symptoms. That way, you can prevent having to deal with some of the more serious effects that they may cause down the line.
It is recommended to have a full medical exam conducted once a year, or every 6 months if you suffer from certain chronic diseases, or if you’re older or have a history of disease in your family.
In fact, to be prepared for your medical check-up, you should talk with your family and get a good idea of your family’s medical history – any relatives that may have suffered from genetic diseases, the kinds of allergies that members of your family suffer from. These conditions are often hereditary, and your examining physician will ask you about them.
Where Can You Get a Medical Check-Up?
You can get a medical check-up at a primary care facility, such as a hospital or clinic, or you can go to your local doctor’s office. Depending on your local area, these options may not be available to you. That is why it is recommended that you go online and search for a place that offers medical check-ups in your area. That way, you can easily find out how much they cost and if their facilities are up to par.
You can still see a doctor if you don’t have health insurance. Many communities have walk)in clinics or community health clinics. It’s worth checking out your options online.
How Much Does a Medical Checkup Cost?
This is one of the most common questions that people ask about medical check-ups. The cost varies depending on your location and the doctor you see. But, in the US, a full comprehensive medical check-up can cost anywhere from $70 – $300. However the price can go up from there if you need further tests done, depending on the type of facility you are going to, the overall quality of the facility, and what tests you end up getting.
It is important to remember that if you do not have health insurance, then you might have to pay a bit more for your medical check-up. However, it is still worth it. Better to pay a little now than a lot, lot more further down the road.
Conclusion
Medical check-ups are extremely beneficial to both individuals who are looking to keep their health in check as well as those who are looking to detect a disease early on. You should get your medical check-up done once a year, or even more frequently if you suffer from some chronic conditions. Not only will this help you detect any diseases that you may have early on, but it will also give you peace of mind when it comes to your overall health.
