Once a year physical / should I get one every year just because it's free?

[Villages PL]

I'm 70 years old and I belong to a Medicare HMO and have been getting a physical every year. For the last several years it has seemed boring and pointless but I kept going because I thought it was the thing to do. Now, just today, I read the following on page one of the "Lifestyles" section: "Unless a medical condition warrants it, there is no need to perform screening tests every year."

Does anyone think I should go this year and soak up precious Medicare resources, just because it's offered free to me? I have no health issues and therefore don't take any medications.

[TrudyM]

I'm 70 years old and I belong to a Medicare HMO and have been getting a physical every year. For the last several years it has seemed boring and pointless but I kept going because I thought it was the thing to do. Now, just today, I read the following on page one of the "Lifestyles" section: "Unless a medical condition warrants it, there is no need to perform screening tests every year."

Does anyone think I should go this year and soak up precious Medicare resources, just because it's offered free to me? I have no health issues and therefore don't take any medications.

I am very happy to hear you have great health. However I was told by the doctors in my family that when you are over 50 that you should always have labs done to check colesterol and body chemestry it can be a hidden bomb waiting to go off. I never went unless I was sick and they read me the riot act and told me I was being dumb.

[graciegirl]

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Just because you don't take medication doesn't mean you can't have issues developing at any time.

[KayakerNC]

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Just because you don't take medication doesn't mean you can't have issues developing at any time.
:agree:
And, if an issue does develop, why would you want to give it a year's head-start?

[2BNTV]

I would strongly recommend going for a yearly physical because blood work will detect any hidden problems. Better to catch something in the beginning phase than be surprised when it is a big thing.

I am also healthy and taking no medication but I am scheduled early next month and need blood work for my type 2 diabetes that is under contol.
That's how I found out I had diabetes five years ago and brought into control though eating properly and exercise before it became a major problem like other family members who had it.

During the same examination, he also detected that I had a silent heart attack and possibly prostate cancer. Both of these were bogus as subsequent tests showed nothing. Not knowing and wondering is the worst scenario especially if one becomes concerned.

I was the picture of health until this examination. and was shocked at the initial results.

It is not free as you pay premiums.

[Pturner]

Yes, get an annual physical. Health wise, what you don't know can kill you.

[LvmyPug2]

Agree with previous posters. Get your diagnostic tests. Many potentially serious conditions do not have obvious symptoms in the early stages when treatment can be the most effective. By the time the symptoms are evident, treatment options can be limited and survival rates are lower.

[eweissenbach]

One of the reasons free checkups are part of the medicare program is that it ultimately saves money as well as lives. Catching problems early generally makes recovery odds much better and treatment less expensive. Preventative medicine is something we need to take more seriously - we don't wait until our car engine starts smoking to change the oil.

[rjm1cc]

Time well spent. Go and be happy you don't have to come back for a year.

[2BNTV]

One of the reasons free checkups are part of the medicare program is that it ultimately saves money as well as lives. Catching problems early generally makes recovery odds much better and treatment less expensive. Preventative medicine is something we need to take more seriously - we don't wait until our car engine starts smoking to change the oil.

:agree: Preventive medicine is the best way to keep medical costs down.

[kathy and al]

I'm 70 years old and I belong to a Medicare HMO and have been getting a physical every year. For the last several years it has seemed boring and pointless but I kept going because I thought it was the thing to do. Now, just today, I read the following on page one of the "Lifestyles" section: "Unless a medical condition warrants it, there is no need to perform screening tests every year."

Does anyone think I should go this year and soak up precious Medicare resources, just because it's offered free to me? I have no health issues and therefore don't take any medications.
A "no brainer". Free checkup once a year. Bring your health status right up to date. Know exactly where you stand. Why would anyone take a pass on this one?

[Villages PL]

Thanks everyone for your replies of concern. I will now keep my appointment which is set for sometime later this year. One post (2BNTV) reminded me that in one check up I had a blood glucose reading of 100. That was one point above the upper limit of what is considered acceptable. So I tweaked my diet, started exercising more and the following year I had a blood glucose reading of 86.

[2BNTV]

Thanks everyone for your replies of concern. I will now keep my appointment which is set for sometime later this year. One post (2BNTV) reminded me that in one check up I had a blood glucose reading of 100. That was one point above the upper limit of what is considered acceptable. So I tweaked my diet, started exercising more and the following year I had a blood glucose reading of 86.

Villages PL:

Good for you!!!!!!

It just better to know than not know. :)

It is also better to nip it in the bud before it gets out of hand just like you did.

Best wishes for your good health.