Comprehensive Medical Evaluation: An Important Step to Wellness
Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluations at J. Flowers Health Institute
The information presented on this page is an overview of the average evaluation of this nature and is offered here as a resource. At J. Flowers Health Institute, our evaluations are customized and tailored to the individual’s needs. We specialize in providing truly comprehensive health and wellness evaluations and a workable plan for future health to those who want to improve their quality of life.
If you would like to learn more about J. Flowers Health Institute, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Table of Contents
A comprehensive medical evaluation assesses all aspects of a person’s health. It includes a full physical examination, as well as an opportunity to discuss lifestyle choices and habits. It can be conducted at any time, and a person does not have to be sick or have a health problem to do a comprehensive medical evaluation.
What Types of Doctors are Involved in a Comprehensive Medical Evaluation?
There are multiple healthcare providers involved in a medical evaluation. A complete medical examination typically begins with a nurse or a healthcare provider that gathers information about the patient’s health status and medical history. Then, the patient will meet with a physician who will conduct the remainder of the physical exams. The doctor might then refer the patient to other specialists or order specific screenings or testing. This testing will be sent to a laboratory.
What Does a Standard Comprehensive Medical Evaluation Include?
Updated Medical History
The doctor will ask for a full medical history, including any previous illnesses, surgeries, hospitalizations, medications, allergies, etc., and for any updates to current medical conditions.
Vital Signs Checks
The doctor will check blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate. Blood pressure should be checked every 1-3 years depending on individual medical history. The doctor will also take a temperature to check for fever.
Visual Exam
The doctor will conduct a visual examination, which means that they will review the patient’s appearance for any signs of potential issues. They will typically examine the skin, head, eyes, chest, abdomen, elbows and joints, musculoskeletal system (hands, wrists), and nervous system functions such as speech and walking ability.
Physical Exam
After conducting a visual exam, the doctor will conduct a physical exam where they use specific instruments to look into the eyes, ears, nose, and throat. They will use a stethoscope to listen to the heart, lungs, or abdomen to make sure that they are functioning normally and that there is no presence of a heart or lung disease.
The doctor will feel parts of the body with their hands to feel for any abnormalities, such as looking for masses or lumps in the abdomen. The doctor will also perform a neurological exam where they assess motor function, nerves, muscle strength, reflexes, and balance. The doctor might also perform a dermatological exam where they examine the patient’s skin and nails.
Laboratory Tests
The doctor will draw blood for various laboratory tests. This might include a complete blood count and a complete metabolic panel that tests the blood plasma in order to detect any issues in the kidneys, liver, blood chemistry, and immune system. Any irregularities detected in the blood might indicate bigger problems. The doctor might also conduct a diabetes screen or thyroid screen, and if there is an increased risk of having a heart attack, heart disease, or a stroke, the doctor might request a cholesterol test.
Imaging Studies
The doctor may have the patient complete X-rays, a computer tomography scan (CT), a magnetic resonance scan (MRI), or an electrocardiogram (EKG).
Screening Tests
For Women
Mammogram
Women who have a low or average risk of developing breast cancer should have a mammogram (an x-ray image of the breasts) done every two years between the ages of 50 to 74. Women at higher risk of developing breast cancer may need to have a mammogram done earlier in life and more frequently. A breast exam might also be conducted to check for abnormal lumps or signs of breast cancer.
Pap Smear
A pap smear is a screening test where cells are extracted from the cervix and tested for cervical cancer. It is recommended that women begin getting pap smears at the age of 21 and then every three years after that. After the age of 30, pap smears are recommended every five years, and after the age of 65, most women no longer require pap smears. Pap smears are important because early detection of cervical cancer leads to the best rate of recovery.
Pelvic Exam
A pelvic exam can be conducted with or without a pap smear screening. During a pelvic exam, the doctor will examine the vagina, cervix, and vulva to check for sexually transmitted infections or other conditions.
Cholesterol Test
Women should begin regular cholesterol checks at the age of 45; however, if a woman is at risk of developing diabetes or heart disease, they may need to begin cholesterol checks as early as in their 20s.
Osteoporosis Screening
It is recommended that women start having bone mineral density tests around the age of 65 to screen for osteoporosis.
For Men
Prostate Cancer Screening
Starting at the age of 50, prostate cancer screening might be necessary for some men. It is important to discuss with a doctor when the appropriate time for a prostate cancer screening may be.
Testicular Exam
A doctor might examine each testicle for lumps, changes in size, tenderness, or any other problems.
Cholesterol Test
Men should begin regular cholesterol checks at the age of 35 unless they have a genetic predisposition to diabetes or heart disease, in which case they may need to begin cholesterol checks as early as age 20.
For Both Men and Women
Colon Cancer Screening
Screening for colon cancer is recommended starting at the age of 50 for both men and women but might be needed earlier, depending on individual medical history.
Lung Cancer Screening
A CT scan of the lungs is recommended for both men and women over the age of 55 who have smoked in the past or who currently smoke.
Depression
Screening for symptoms of depression is recommended at every medical evaluation as symptoms of depression are easily missed or can be attributed to other problems.
Diabetes
If a person has a family history of diabetes or is at risk for developing diabetes (e.g., being overweight, having high blood pressure, or high cholesterol), they should be screened for diabetes.
Vaccinations
Comprehensive medical evaluations are a good time to make sure that all vaccinations are current.
STI Screening
Depending on a person’s sexual history, they might undergo a sexually-transmitted infection screening to check for any issues that need addressing. This might include HIV testing or testing for syphilis.
How are Comprehensive Medical Evaluations Performed?
Medical evaluations are performed at a doctor’s office or the office of a primary healthcare provider. Typically, the patient will meet with a nurse first who will ask them about their medical history, allergies, past surgeries, immunizations, and any symptoms they might be experiencing. After that, the doctor will conduct a vital signs check, physical exam, and visual exam.
At J. Flowers Health Institute, all testing is conveniently completed in one location, cutting down on wait time. The complete and comprehensive assessments provide a clear picture of current health.
How To Prepare for a Comprehensive Medical Evaluation?
- Current medications
- Medical and surgical history
- Allergies
- Symptoms of specific health issues
- Any recent lab test results
- The names, phone numbers, and addresses of doctors or specialists already seen
- Information about any implantable medical devices currently being used
It’s also important to be prepared to answer questions about health and lifestyle, such as diet, sleep habits, exercise, alcohol or substance use, and stress. They should also prepare any questions that they might want to ask the doctor. A comprehensive medical evaluation is a perfect time to ask a doctor questions and discuss overall health and what changes might need to take place.
What are the Benefits of Having a Comprehensive Medical Evaluation?
Receive Information on Health Status
A comprehensive medical evaluation gives the opportunity to have a thorough understanding of health as a whole. Oftentimes, people only visit healthcare providers when they have a specific issue, so having a full evaluation done gives an idea of current health, helps to identify any health problems, and gives an opportunity to create a plan to improve health. Medical evaluations also help keep track of health and keep all health information on file, making it easier for future healthcare providers to refer back to.
Look Deeper into the Root Cause of Multiple Issues
Build a Relationship with a Doctor
Another benefit of having a complete medical examination is being able to create a relationship with a physician. Because doctor’s appointments are often brief, a person might not feel like they have the opportunity for their healthcare provider to get the full picture of their health. It is important for doctors to know as much as they can about their patient, even if it’s small details about what impacts their daily life (such as stressors). Not all medications or treatments are right for everyone, and it is important to have healthcare that is tailored to a person’s individual needs. A comprehensive medical evaluation gives a person the opportunity and time to talk to their doctor about concerns and create a plan for how to make changes. Having a good relationship with a physician makes it easier to discuss sensitive health concerns or fears. It also allows a person to feel more comfortable asking questions about their health.
Identify Health Issues
Prevent Health Issues
A major benefit of having a complete physical examination done is to help prevent issues for which there is an increased risk. It can give more information on which problems could be avoided by changing lifestyle habits or by taking medications. Screening tests also allow for the early detection of diseases, which will help in the outcome of treating or curing those diseases.
How Often Should a Person Have a Complete Physical Examination?
J.Flowers Health Institute provides cutting-edge comprehensive medical evaluations and other assessments to provide a complete picture of your current health. Begin your health journey today.
Resources
- https://www.advisory.com/daily-briefing/2015/04/08/why-44-million-americans-continue-to-get-annual-physicals
- https://www.emedicinehealth.com/checkup/article_em.htm#facts_about_and_definition_of_medical_checkups
- https://www.healthline.com/health/getting-physical-examination#outlook
- https://www.dignityhealth.org/articles/what-is-a-physical-exam-and-what-can-you-expect
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325488
