Do you really need an annual checkup?

Are you getting ready to schedule your annual checkup and are wondering if you really need it? It can be easy to overlook your yearly checkup or write it off as another non-essential task. The fact is, most people only go to the doctor when they are looking for a specific treatment or once something goes wrong.

While most medical groups used to advocate for the yearly check-up, the American Medical Association has recently revised that stance. They now call for what they refer to as Periodic Health Assessments once every five years for adults from 18 to 40. Over 40 they call for an assessment once every three years.

For most people who are younger than 40, health problems usually show specific symptoms, which is why an annual checkup becomes somewhat redundant. For those over 40, or on specific medications, ailments might present themselves in different ways, so there is a benefit to more frequent checkups.

Another factor revolves around cost. Annual checkups used to come along with expensive and oftentimes unnecessary amounts of testing. Today, your Periodic Health Assessment should address the following:

• Preventative health
• Chronic disease risk factors
• Healthy behavior counseling
• Clinical data updates
• Secondary prevention

So next time you are wondering whether that annual check-up is necessary, instead contact your doctor about a Periodic Health Assessment and leave your physical check-up anxiety at the door.