Medical examinations: why are they needed and how often to pass them

Medical examinations: why are they needed and how often to pass them

Section 1: Fundamentals of medical examinations

A medical examination, also known as Check-UP or a preventive examination, is a comprehensive medical examination conducted to assess the general state of human health, identify potential risks for health and timely detection of diseases in the early stages, when treatment is most effective. In contrast to visiting a doctor about a specific complaint or symptom, a medical examination is planned and aims to prevent the development of diseases and maintain optimal health.

1.1. The goals and objectives of medical examinations

The main goal of a medical examination is the active maintenance of health and the prevention of diseases. This goal is achieved by solving the following tasks:

• Assessment of general health: Determination of the current state of human health, including physical and mental well -being.
• Identification of risk factors: Detection of factors that increase the likelihood of developing diseases (for example, smoking, overweight, high cholesterol).
• Early detection of diseases: Detection of diseases in the early stages, when treatment is most effective (for example, cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases).
• Development of an individual prevention plan: Creation of a personalized plan of measures to maintain health and prevent the development of diseases based on individual risks and needs.
• Evaluation of the effectiveness of previously prescribed treatment: Assessment of the results of treatment of chronic diseases and adjustment of therapy if necessary.
• Providing health consultations: Answers to patient questions regarding health, and providing information about a healthy lifestyle.
• Updating information about vaccination: Checking the status of vaccination and conducting the necessary vaccinations in accordance with the national vaccination calendar and individual needs.

1.2. Differences between medical examination and advice of a doctor

It is important to understand the difference between a medical examination and advice of a doctor by a particular disease. A medical examination is a preventive event aimed at assessing the general state of health and identifying potential problems, even if a person has no complaints. The doctor’s consultation, on the contrary, is carried out about a specific complaint or symptom, in order to diagnose and treat a certain disease.

Characteristic	Medical examination	Consultation of a doctor
Target	Prevention and early detection of diseases	Diagnosis and treatment of a particular disease
Occasion	Planned, regardless of the availability of complaints	The presence of complaints or symptoms
The volume of the examination	A comprehensive examination covering various body systems	Examination aimed at diagnosing a particular disease
Result	Assessment of the general state of health, the identification of risk factors	Diagnosis and treatment plan

1.3. Types of medical examinations

There are several types of medical examinations that differ in the volume of examination and the target group. Main types:

• Preventive medical examination (Check-UP): General inspection, including a history of an anamnesis, physical examination, laboratory and instrumental studies aimed at assessing the general state of health.
• Periodic medical examination (for employees): A mandatory inspection for employees of certain professions related to harmful or dangerous working conditions. The goal is to identify occupational diseases and evaluate suitability for work.
• Preliminary medical examination (upon admission to work): Inspection conducted before hiring, in order to determine the compliance of the candidate’s health with the requirements of the work.
• Target medical examination: Inspection aimed at identifying a particular disease or group of diseases (for example, mammography to detect breast cancer, screening for cervical cancer).
• Driving Medical Commission: Inspection necessary to receive or extend the driver’s license.
• Sports medical examination: Inspection conducted to assess the health status of athletes and determine their suitability for sports.
• Medical examination to receive a certificate: Inspection necessary to receive various certificates (for example, certificates for visiting the pool, certificates for admission to the educational institution).

Section 2: Medical examination components

A medical examination usually includes several key components that help the doctor get a complete picture of the patient’s health status.

2.1. Anamnesis collection (medical history)

The collection of an anamnesis is an important part of a medical examination. The doctor asks questions about:

• Complaints: The presence of health complaints, such as pain, fatigue, weakness, change in weight, sleep disturbance, etc.
• Medical history: Transferred diseases, operations, injuries, allergies.
• Family history: The presence of diseases in relatives (for example, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes).
• Life: Smoking, drinking alcohol, nutrition, physical activity, sleep and rest mode.
• Medicines: Taken drugs, including vitamins and food supplements.
• Social history: Living conditions, work, stress.
• Reproductive history (for women): The menstrual cycle, pregnancy, childbirth, abortion, menopause.

The information received during the collection of an anamnesis helps the doctor identify risk factors, determine the most likely causes of complaints and plan further examination.

2.2. Physical examination

Physical examination includes inspection, palpation, percussion and auscultation of various organs and systems.

• Inspection: Assessment of the patient’s appearance, skin condition, mucous membranes, lymph nodes, thyroid gland.
• Palpation: Feeling of organs and tissues to determine their size, form, consistency, presence of pain.
• Percussion: Tapping organs and tissues to determine their density and the presence of pathological changes.
• AuScultation: Listening to organs using a stethoscope to evaluate heart tones, breathing noise, intestinal motility.

During a physical examination, the doctor may reveal signs of diseases that are not manifested in the form of complaints.

2.3. Laboratory research

Laboratory studies play an important role in a medical examination, allowing you to assess the condition of various organs and systems, identify hidden diseases and risk factors.

• General blood test (UAC): Assessment of the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin, hematocrit and other blood indicators. Allows you to identify anemia, inflammatory processes, blood coagulation disorders.
• General urine analysis (OAM): Assessment of the physical and chemical properties of urine, as well as a microscopic examination of sediment. Allows you to identify diseases of the kidneys and urinary tract, diabetes.
• Biochemical blood test: Assessment of glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, bilirubin, creatinine, urea, liver enzymes and other blood indicators. Allows you to identify diseases of the liver, kidneys, pancreas, metabolic disorders.
• Hormones analysis: Assessment of the level of thyroid hormones, sex hormones, adrenal hormones and other hormones. Allows you to identify hormonal disorders.
• Hidden blood analysis: Identification of hidden bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, which can be a sign of colon cancer.
• Analysis for infections: Identification of infectious diseases (for example, HIV, hepatitis, syphilis).

A set of laboratory tests necessary for a medical examination is determined by the doctor individually, depending on age, gender, risk factors and other characteristics of the patient.

2.4. Instrumental research

Instrumental studies allow you to get more detailed information about the state of internal organs and systems.

• Electrocardodiography (ECG): Registration of electrical activity of the heart. Allows you to identify heart rhythm disorders, myocardial ischemia, myocardial hypertrophy and other heart diseases.
• Fluorography or radiography of the chest organs: Visualization of chest organs. Allows you to identify lung diseases (for example, pneumonia, tuberculosis, lung cancer), heart and blood vessels.
• Ultrasound examination (ultrasound): Visualization of internal organs using ultrasound waves. Allows you to evaluate the condition of the liver, kidneys, gall bladder, pancreas, thyroid gland, pelvic organs and other organs.
• Mammography: X -ray examination of the mammary glands. Used to screening breast cancer.
• Colonoscopy: Endoscopic examination of the colon. Used to identify polyps and cancer of the colon.
• Gastroscopy: Endoscopic examination of the stomach and duodenum. Used to detect peptic ulcer, gastritis and stomach cancer.
• Dencitometry: Measurement of bone density. Used to diagnose osteoporosis.

As in the case of laboratory studies, a set of instrumental research is determined by the doctor individually.

Section 3: Recommendations for the frequency of medical examinations

The frequency of medical examinations depends on the age, gender, state of health and the presence of risk factors. General recommendations:

3.1. Age groups

• Children and adolescents: Regular medical examinations are necessary for monitoring the growth and development, vaccination and detection of diseases in the early stages. The frequency of examinations is determined by the pediatrician.
• Adults (18-39 years old): It is recommended to undergo a medical examination at least once every 2-3 years, if there are no risk factors. In the presence of risk factors (for example, smoking, overweight, family history of cardiovascular diseases), the frequency of examinations should be increased.
• Adults (40-64): It is recommended to undergo a medical examination annually. At this age, the risk of developing chronic diseases is increasing, so regular examinations are important for early detection and prevention.
• Elderly people (65 years and older): It is recommended to undergo a medical examination annually. At this age, early diagnosis and treatment of diseases is especially important, as well as an assessment of a functional state and the prevention of falls.

3.2. Floor

Recommendations on the frequency of medical examinations differ for men and women due to differences in physiology and risks of diseases.

• Men:
  • Regular examinations of the urologist for screening of prostate cancer (after 50 years).
  • Screening for colon cancer (after 45 years).
  • Risk assessment of cardiovascular diseases (regularly, starting from 20 years).
• Women:
  • Regular examinations of a gynecologist for screening cancer of the cervix and mammary glands (starting from 21 years or the beginning of sexual activity).
  • Mammography for screening breast cancer (after 40-50 years).
  • Risk assessment of osteoporosis (after menopause).
  • Screening for colon cancer (after 45 years).

3.3. Risk factors

The presence of risk factors for health requires more frequent medical examinations. Risk factors include:

• Family history: The presence of diseases in relatives (for example, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes).
• Smoking: Increases the risk of developing lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD).
• Excess weight or obesity: Increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer.
• High blood pressure (hypertension): Increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and kidney diseases.
• High cholesterol level: Increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
• Diabetes: Increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, kidney diseases, and eye diseases.
• Chronic diseases: The presence of chronic diseases (for example, asthma, COPD, rheumatoid arthritis) requires regular medical observation.
• Professional harmfulness: Work related to harmful or dangerous working conditions requires regular medical examinations.
• Bad habits: Alcohol abuse, drugs.

People with risk factors need to undergo medical examinations more often than people without risk factors. The frequency of examinations is determined by the doctor individually.

3.4. Individual recommendations

The most accurate recommendations for the frequency of medical examinations can only be given by a doctor, based on an individual assessment of the state of health, risk factors and family history. It is important to discuss with the doctor your fears and issues regarding health, and draw up an individual prevention plan.

Section 4: Preparation for a medical examination

Proper preparation for a medical examination can increase its effectiveness and accuracy of the results.

4.1. Collection of information

Before a medical examination, it is useful to prepare the following information:

• List of complaints: The list of all complaints about health, even if they seem insignificant.
• Medical history: The list of diseases, operations, injuries, allergies.
• Family history: Information about diseases in relatives.
• List of drugs: The list of all drugs taken, including vitamins and food additives, indicating the dosage and frequency of administration.
• The results of previous examinations: Copies of the results of previous medical examinations, laboratory tests and instrumental studies.
• Questions to the doctor: A list of questions you want to ask a doctor.

4.2. Diet and medication

Depending on what laboratory tests will be carried out, it may be required to comply with certain rules regarding the diet and medication.

• General blood test and biochemical blood test: It is usually recommended to donate blood on an empty stomach, that is, not to eat within 8-12 hours before analysis. You can drink water.
• Urine analysis: It is necessary to collect the average portion of morning urine.
• Hidden blood analysis: It is necessary to observe a special diet for several days before analysis, excluding meat, fish, liver and other products containing iron from the diet.
• Medication: It is necessary to inform the doctor about all the drugs taken. In some cases, a temporary cancellation of medication before a medical examination may be required.

4.3. Clothing and hygiene

For a medical examination, it is recommended to wear comfortable clothes, which is easy to take off and put on. It is necessary to follow the rules of personal hygiene.

4.4. Psychological training

It is important to be prepared for the fact that the doctor can ask personal questions about your health and lifestyle. Be honest and frank with a doctor so that he can get a complete picture of your health state.

Section 5: Interpretation of the results of a medical examination

After a medical examination, the doctor interprets the results of the examinations and provides the patient with recommendations.

5.1. Normal results

If all the results of the examinations are within normal limits, this means that the patient does not have identified diseases. The doctor can give recommendations for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and the prevention of diseases.

5.2. Deviations from the norm

If the results of the examinations revealed deviations from the norm, this does not always mean the presence of a disease. Deviations from the norm can be caused by various factors, such as age, gender, lifestyle, medication. The doctor may prescribe additional examinations to clarify the diagnosis.

5.3. Further actions

Depending on the results of a medical examination, the doctor may recommend:

• Observation: Regular monitoring of the state of health and repeated examinations over a certain period of time.
• Life change change: Recommendations for a change in lifestyle (for example, rejection of smoking, weight loss, increase in physical activity, diet change).
• Treatment: The appointment of drugs or other treatment methods to eliminate identified diseases.
• Specialist consultation: Direction to a narrow specialist for further diagnosis and treatment (for example, to a cardiologist, endocrinologist, oncologist).
• Vaccination: Conducting the necessary vaccinations in accordance with the national vaccination calendar and individual needs.

5.4. The importance of compliance with the doctor’s recommendations

It is important to strictly follow the doctor’s recommendations in order to maintain health and prevent the development of diseases. Regular visiting a doctor and fulfilling his recommendations is the key to a long and healthy life.

Section 6: Advantages of regular medical examinations

Regular medical examinations have many health benefits.

6.1. Early detection of diseases

Early detection of diseases allows you to begin treatment in the early stages, when it is most effective. Many diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, are asymptomatic in the early stages. Medical examinations allow you to identify these diseases before the onset of symptoms, which significantly increases the chances of successful treatment.

6.2. Prevention of diseases

Medical examinations allow you to identify risk factors for health and develop an individual plan for the prevention of diseases. For example, if a person has a high level of cholesterol, a doctor can recommend changing a diet and starting to take drugs to reduce cholesterol, which will help prevent the development of cardiovascular diseases.

6.3. Improving the quality of life

Regular medical examinations help maintain good health and prevent the development of diseases, which helps to improve the quality of life. A healthy person feels better, has more energy and can lead an active lifestyle.

6.4. Reduction of treatment costs

Early detection and prevention of diseases can reduce treatment costs in the future. Treatment of advanced diseases requires more expensive treatment methods and can lead to disability. Regular medical examinations are an investment in health and saving money in the future.

6.5. Extension of life

Medical examinations help to extend life, identifying and preventing the development of deadly diseases. Regular visiting a doctor and compliance with his recommendations is one of the most effective ways to maintain health and extend life.

Section 7: where to undergo a medical examination

Medical examinations can be held in various medical institutions.

7.1. Polyclinics

Clinic is the most common place to undergo medical examinations. In clinics, you can take both preventive and periodic medical examinations.

7.2. Private medical centers

Private medical centers offer a wide range of medical services, including medical examinations. The advantages of private medical centers are shorter expectations, more comfortable conditions and the possibility of choosing a doctor.

7.3. Departmental medical institutions

Departmental medical institutions are intended for servicing employees of certain organizations and enterprises.

7.4. Mobile medical complexes

Mobile medical complexes are mobile medical rooms that travel to remote areas and provide medical services to the population.

7.5. How to choose a medical institution

When choosing a medical institution for a medical examination, the following factors must be taken into account:

• License: The presence of a license for the implementation of medical activities.
• Qualification of doctors: Experience and qualification of doctors.
• Equipment: The presence of modern medical equipment.
• Patient reviews: Reviews of other patients about a medical institution.
• Price: The cost of a medical examination.
• Convenience of location: The convenience of the location of the medical institution.

Section 8: Legislation on medical examinations

Medical examinations are regulated by the legislation of the Russian Federation.

8.1. Federal Law No. 323-ФЗ “On the Basics of Protection of the Health of Citizens in the Russian Federation”

This law establishes the basic principles of protecting the health of citizens, including the right to prevent diseases and medical examinations.

8.2. Order of the Ministry of Health and Social Development of Russia No. 302n “On approval of the lists of harmful and (or) hazardous production factors and work, during which mandatory preliminary and periodic medical examinations (examinations) are carried out, and the procedure for mandatory preliminary and periodic medical examinations (surveys) of workers and on work with harmful and (or) dangerous working conditions” “

This order establishes a list of harmful and hazardous production factors and work, during which mandatory preliminary and periodic medical examinations are carried out, as well as the procedure for conducting these examinations.

8.3. Other regulatory acts

There are other regulatory acts governing medical examinations, depending on their type and target group.

8.4. Patient rights and obligations

The patient has the right to:

• Obtaining information about the goals, the procedure and the results of a medical examination.
• Refusal of a medical examination.
• Confidentiality of information about the state of health.

The patient is obliged:

• Report the doctor reliable information about the state of health.
• Follow the doctor’s recommendations.

Section 9: Current trends in medical examinations

Currently, the following trends are observed in medical examinations:

9.1. Personalization

Medical examinations are becoming increasingly personalized, that is, adapted to individual needs and risks of each patient. Doctors take into account age, gender, lifestyle, family history and other factors when drawing up an examination plan and recommendations.

9.2. Using new technologies

In medical examinations, new technologies are actively used, such as genetic testing, telemedicine, artificial intelligence. Genetic testing allows you to identify a predisposition to various diseases. Telemedicine allows consultations and monitoring of health status remotely. Artificial intelligence helps to analyze medical data and identify risk factors.

9.3. The emphasis on prevention

In medical examinations, more and more attention is paid to the prevention of diseases. Doctors not only reveal diseases in the early stages, but also develop individual preventive plans, including recommendations for a change in lifestyle, vaccination and other measures.

9.4. Integrative approach

An integrative approach involves an integrated approach to assessing health, taking into account not only physical, but also mental and social well -being. Doctors pay attention to lifestyle, nutrition, physical activity, stress level and other factors affecting health.

9.5. Increasing accessibility

Measures are taken to improve the availability of medical examinations for the population. Mobile medical complexes are developing, field medical examinations are carried out, telemedicine technologies are being implemented.

Section 10: Myths and misconceptions about medical examinations

There are a number of myths and misconceptions about medical examinations that may impede the passage of preventive examinations.

10.1. “Medical examination is a waste of time and money, if nothing bothers”

This is a delusion. Many diseases in the early stages are asymptomatic. A medical examination allows you to identify these diseases before the onset of symptoms, which significantly increases the chances of successful treatment.

10.2. “Medical examinations are expensive”

The cost of a medical examination may vary depending on the volume of the examination and the medical institution. However, the costs of a medical examination are an investment in health that can save money in the future, preventing the development of serious diseases.

10.3. “Medical examinations are painful and unpleasant”

Most medical examinations are not painful or unpleasant. Some examinations can cause discomfort, but this is short -term discomfort, which is not comparable to the consequences of advanced diseases.

10.4. “Medical examinations are only for sick people”

Medical examinations are necessary for everyone, regardless of health. Preventive examinations help identify risk factors for health and prevent the development of diseases.

10.5. “I’m afraid they will find something from me”

Fear of detecting the disease is a common cause of refusal of medical examinations. However, it is important to remember that the early detection of the disease significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. Knowledge of your health allows you to take timely measures to maintain it.

Section 11: The role of the employer in the organization of medical examinations

The employer plays an important role in organizing medical examinations for their employees, especially those who are busy in hard work and in work with harmful and (or) dangerous working conditions.

11.1. The responsibilities of the employer

The employer is obliged:

• Organize preliminary and periodic medical examinations for their employees in accordance with the law.
• Pay the costs of medical examinations.
• Provide employees with time for medical examinations.
• Ensure the confidentiality of information about the health status of employees.

11.2. Advantages for the employer

The organization of medical examinations has advantages for the employer:

• Reducing the incidence and injuries in production.
• Improving labor productivity.
• Reducing costs of sick leave.
• Improving the image of the company.

11.3. Social responsibility

The organization of medical examinations is a manifestation of the social responsibility of the employer aimed at taking care of the health and well -being of its employees.

Section 12: medical examinations and insurance

Medical examinations can be included in the voluntary medical insurance policy (VHI).

12.1. DMS and medical examinations

The VHI policy can cover the cost of preventive and periodic medical examinations. The presence of VHI allows you to undergo medical examinations in private medical centers, which provides shorter expectations and more comfortable conditions.

12.2. Choosing a VHI policy

When choosing a VHI policy, it is necessary to take into account the volume of the coating, the cost of the policy and the reputation of the insurance company. It is important to make sure that the VHI policy covers the cost of the necessary medical examinations.

12.3. The advantages of VHI

VHI provides access to quality medical care, including preventive examinations, which helps to maintain health and prevent the development of diseases.

Section 13: Medical examinations in different countries

The system of medical examinations varies in different countries.

13.1. Europe

In most European countries, there are state programs of preventive examinations aimed at early detection and prevention of common diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.

13.2. USA

In the USA, recommendations for the frequency and volume of medical examinations are developed by various medical organizations such as the American Medical Association and the American Cardiological Association. Many employers provide their employees with medical insurance policies that cover the cost of preventive examinations.

13.3. Asia

In Asian countries, such as Japan and South Korea, mass medical examinations are widespread, aimed at early detection of cancer and other diseases.

13.4. General trends

Despite the differences in healthcare systems, there is a tendency to increase attention to the prevention of diseases and regular medical examinations around the world.

Section 14: questions and answers about medical examinations

14.1. How often do you need to undergo a medical examination?

The frequency of medical examinations depends on the age, gender, state of health and the presence of risk factors. General recommendations: adults (18-39 years old)-at least once every 2-3 years, adults (40-64)-annually, older people (65 years old and older)-annually. People with risk factors need to undergo medical examinations more often.

14.2. What examinations are included in a medical examination?

The volume of the examination is determined by the doctor individually, depending on the age, gender, state of health and the presence of risk factors. Typically, a medical examination includes: a history of anamnesis, a physics examination, a general blood test, a general urine test, a biochemical blood test, ECG, fluorography or x -ray of the chest organs. Depending on the indications, additional examinations, such as ultrasound, mammography, colonoscopy, gastroscopy, can be prescribed.

14.3. Where can you undergo a medical examination?

A medical examination can be held in a clinic, a private medical center, a departmental medical institution, a mobile medical complex.

14.4. How much does a medical examination cost?

The cost of a medical examination may vary depending on the volume of the examination and the medical institution.

14.5. Do I need to prepare for a medical examination?

Yes, you need to prepare for a medical examination. Before the inspection, it is useful to prepare a list of complaints, the history of the disease, a family history, a list of drugs, the results of previous examinations, questions to the doctor. Depending on what laboratory tests will be carried out, it may be required to comply with certain rules regarding the diet and medication.

14.6. What if the survey results revealed deviations from the norm?

If the results of the examinations revealed deviations from the norm, you must consult a doctor for further diagnosis and treatment.

14.7. Is it possible to refuse a medical examination?

Yes, the patient has the right to refuse a medical examination. However, it is important to remember that regular medical examinations help maintain health and prevent the development of diseases.

Section 15: Medical examinations and Covid-19

Covid-19 pandemia made adjustments to the medical examinations.

15.1. The influence of the pandemic on medical examinations

During the pandemic, many medical examinations were postponed or canceled due to the risk of infection Covid-19.

15.2. Safety of medical examinations

Currently, measures are being taken to ensure the safety of medical examinations in the context of pandemia, such as the use of personal protective equipment, compliance with the social distance, and disinfection of premises.

15.3. The importance of restoring medical examinations

It is important to restore medical examinations in order to prevent a deterioration in the health of the population due to delayed preventive examinations.

15.4. Alternative ways of conducting medical examinations

In the conditions of the pandemia, alternative methods of medical examinations, such as telemedicine and home tests, develop.

Section 16: Future of medical examinations

The future of medical examinations is associated with further personalization, the use of new technologies, an emphasis on prevention and an integrative approach.

16.1. Personalized medicine

The development of personalized medicine will adapt medical examinations to the individual genetic characteristics and risks of each patient.

16.2. Artificial intelligence and machine learning

Artificial intelligence and machine learning will help analyze medical data and identify risk factors with high accuracy.

16.3. Nanotechnology and biosensor

Nanotechnologies and biosensors will develop new methods of diagnostics and health monitoring, which will be more accurate and less invasive.

16.4. Telemedicine and remote monitoring

Telemedicine and remote monitoring will allow medical examinations remotely, which will increase the availability of medical care for the population.

16.5. Integration with wearable devices

Integration of medical examinations with wearable devices (for example, fitness trackers, smart hours) will allow collecting health data in real time and use it to assess the state of health and development