Recently NorthJersey.com http://www.northjersey.com * noted: “Among tests recommended as part of an annual general physical for healthy patients exhibiting no symptoms, according to local doctors: Blood pressure, Cholesterol, Diabetes, pre-diabetes, Kidney and liver function, Thyroid, Colorectal cancer screening for patients 50 and over, every five years, Prostate exam annually for men 40 and over, Mammogram for women 40 and over every year until age 60, after which it can be done every two years.”
“Among the tests that are not necessary as part of a general physical for a healthy person exhibiting no symptoms, as recommended by the American Academy of Family Physicians: EKG, Pap smears on women under the age of 21 or women who have had a hysterectomy for non-cancer disease, Scoliosis, in adolescents, Carotid artery stenosis (CAS), in adult patients, Cervical cancer, for women older than 65 years of age who have had adequate prior screening and are not otherwise at high risk for cervical cancer, Cervical cancer, in women younger than 30 years of age, with HPV testing, alone or in combination with cytology.
“With the advent of managed care, belt-tightening and medical advances, this isn’t your father’s annual physical, anymore. For as much emphasis seems to be placed on preventative maintenance in today’s managed-care environment, ironically, professional conventional wisdom in the medical community seems to come to one conclusion — less is more.”
* to read the full northjersey.com article “Is the annual physical exam outdated?” by John Petrick, highlight and click on open hyperlink http://www.northjersey.com/news/health-news/let-s-get-physical-is-the-annual-exam-as-outdated-as-the-80s-1.1062222
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Jonathan M. Metsch, Dr.P.H., is Clinical Professor, Preventive Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; and Adjunct Professor, Baruch College ( C.U.N.Y.), Rutgers School of Public Health, and Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration
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