Originally Posted by paulat585 (Post 2218150)

Thanks for this great discussion. I met with my PCP, who is a nurse practitioner, a few months back. When I asked her about tests I might need, she declined to order any & said I should go to one of the health screeners. I hesitated doing this as I knew they produced many false positives. Now I'll just wait until my PCP orders something.

Originally Posted by golfing eagles (Post 2217865)

OK, let's play devil's advocate. Why would you need or want "that kind of 'complete' physical exam"????

We don't do stress tests for the fun of it---we need a reason, especially since the false positive is 10-12% as is the false negative rate. Translation---if you get on a treadmill for the fun of it, there's a 10-12% chance you will end up with a cardiac catheterization.

Unless you are female or have some unusual bone disorder, you don't need a DEXA scan

Coronary artery calcium scoring has become popular for those with high LDLs, not a routine screening test

Bottom line, when it comes to medical tests, there are screening tests and diagnostic tests. They should NOT be confused with each other. Yes, there are places that make a lot of $$$$ by doing "complete" (also known as unnecessary) testing, many in Florida (probably only second to California). But fair warning---when it comes to medical testing, MORE is not usually BETTER.

I would be guided by your primary care physician as to what type of testing is indicated in your particular case

Originally Posted by MrLonzo (Post 2218177)

I've wondered about the same question. I used to get annual physical exams until 8 or 10 years ago. Medicare no longer covers them. I'm not one to rush to a doctor with every itch or bump, so I wondered if I'm supposed to wait until I have untreatable Stage 4 melanoma before I see a doctor? I keep hearing about someone in a news report that a nasty disease was 'caught early on a routine physical', but never hear how that happens. Is there really such a thing as a 'routine physical'?

Originally Posted by Rainger99 (Post 2218200)

Medicare doesn't cover a yearly physical but it covers a yearly "wellness" visit.

Before I retired, I would get a yearly physical. Now I get a yearly "wellness" visit. I haven't noticed a big difference between a physical and a "wellness" visit.

Annual Wellness Visit Coverage

What is the difference between a physical exam and a Medicare Wellness Visit? | UnitedHealthcare.

Originally Posted by ithos (Post 2218115)

I have never agreed that less information is better when it comes to health especially since the medical schools do a very poor job of covering nutrition. Sometimes bad news will have a motivating effect for people to take their health more seriously. The vast majority of our ailments in this county are due to poor diet and lack of exercise. The major concern I see with too much testing if it involves radiation or some other potential harm such as a colonoscopy.

I recommend one of my favorite podcasters who is a cardiologist who does short programs on the latest research for wellness. Heart Doc VIP with Dr. Joel Kahn.

(I might need some cognitive testing since at first I posted this in the wrong thread)

Originally Posted by golfing eagles (Post 2217865)

OK, let's play devil's advocate. Why would you need or want "that kind of 'complete' physical exam"????

We don't do stress tests for the fun of it---we need a reason, especially since the false positive is 10-12% as is the false negative rate. Translation---if you get on a treadmill for the fun of it, there's a 10-12% chance you will end up with a cardiac catheterization.

Unless you are female or have some unusual bone disorder, you don't need a DEXA scan

Coronary artery calcium scoring has become popular for those with high LDLs, not a routine screening test

Bottom line, when it comes to medical tests, there are screening tests and diagnostic tests. They should NOT be confused with each other. Yes, there are places that make a lot of $$$$ by doing "complete" (also known as unnecessary) testing, many in Florida (probably only second to California). But fair warning---when it comes to medical testing, MORE is not usually BETTER.

I would be guided by your primary care physician as to what type of testing is indicated in your particular case

Originally Posted by rogerk (Post 2218243)

And what qualifies you to make comments? For me a complete physical every year can pick up changes early and avoid major problems later. Why wait till symptoms appear and that end up requiring more aggressive treatment.

Originally Posted by golfing eagles (Post 2218258)

Hmmmm.......what makes me qualified?????? Let's start with :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

Then, without posting my entire CV, let's just summarize with AOA graduate Univ of NY, 35 years in practice board certified in Internal Medicine, Retired Chief of Staff of my Community Hospital and Associate Professor of Medicine at SUNY Upstate.

So, just to be fair, what makes you qualified to challenge that????

That being said, you should have a "complete" physical every year----that means seeing your physician, and having whatever lab and screening tests are indicated for you as an individual. That's not what the OP was looking for. He/she was interested in a location that runs a panel of unnecessary tests without a clear indication---the problem is that this often gives useless and false information that only leads to more tests, some of which might be invasive.

PS----did you read post #3 on this thread?