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-   -   Where to go for complete physical exam? (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/medical-health-discussion-94/where-go-complete-physical-exam-341325/)

JerryLBell 05-15-2023 08:26 AM

Where to go for complete physical exam?
 
Before retiring, I used to go to a medical center in North Carolina that did complete physical exams - everything from bone density to hearing to cardio stress test to plaque buildup. I really like my GP here in The VIllages but he's not set up for that kind of examination. Can anybody recommend a medical center in or around The Villages that does this kind of complete exam?

villagetinker 05-15-2023 08:41 AM

Did you ask your GP for a recommendation, our PCP does a good job for a lot of items, but we use specialists for others, like hearing, dermatology, joint pain, etc.

golfing eagles 05-15-2023 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JerryLBell (Post 2217856)
Before retiring, I used to go to a medical center in North Carolina that did complete physical exams - everything from bone density to hearing to cardio stress test to plaque buildup. I really like my GP here in The VIllages but he's not set up for that kind of examination. Can anybody recommend a medical center in or around The Villages that does this kind of complete exam?

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

Bill1701 05-15-2023 10:03 AM

There are probably places near here, but you will have to pay for it. Medicare does not cover them.

retiredguy123 05-15-2023 10:14 AM

When I have a medical test performed, I am always concerned that the doctor will recommend an unnecessary procedure to protect the doctor against a possible malpractice lawsuit. I would never undergo a screening that is not universally recommended by the medical profession.

golfing eagles 05-15-2023 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by retiredguy123 (Post 2217905)
When I have a medical test performed, I am always concerned that the doctor will recommend an unnecessary procedure to protect the doctor against a possible malpractice lawsuit. I would never undergo a screening that is not universally recommended by the medical profession.

Absolutely! Not only that, many of the places that offer "complete" examinations are simply Medicare and Medicaid mills, and often have fraudulent billing practices. Avoid at all costs.

Stu from NYC 05-15-2023 11:39 AM

Our Dr in Va always said be wary of invasive tests that are very often not needed.

golfing eagles 05-15-2023 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill1701 (Post 2217897)
There are probably places near here, but you will have to pay for it. Medicare does not cover them.

And for good reason.

Michael G. 05-15-2023 03:14 PM

We have a neighbor that always have 3-4 doctor appointments a week for some test about something.
And their snowbirds, so they juggle the appointments and doctors between up north and here when they travel every 6 months.

bowlingal 05-16-2023 04:44 AM

bone density is covered by Medicare, but only one time every 2 years. I am diabetic, so I go for blood work every 3 months to check A1C and also other items. I went to a cardiologist 2 times to just "check" that everything is ok, and he told me not to come back until I really needed a cardiologist. Eye exam every year, dermatologist every year, sleep doc ( I have apnea) every 6 months, mammo every year, dentist ( for cleaning) every 4 months hearing( not so much).

guppyvii 05-16-2023 06:15 AM

I had a preventative medicine full physical every other year at Cooper Clinic in Dallas until I retired. I was going to ask the same question you did. The convenience of getting it all done in one place and in one day and then discussing with a doctor that has more than 10 minutes with you was peace of mind. Is it considered too late for preventative medicine if you’re on Medicare? I’m not there yet but dreading it from what I hear.

mntlblok 05-16-2023 06:18 AM

Quote:

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

The world kinda runs on asymmetric information, eh? But educating yourself can be an awful lot of trouble. Such a dilemma. :-) Had a cardiologist *lie* to me to get me to agree to a more expensive test. When he tried to scare me with the risk of sudden death via "tachycardia" and I asked if he didn't mean "fibrillation", he turned around and left the room. Have since learnt that such strategy is not rare. Ashamed of what I know of some in my own profession. Be careful out there. And good luck. No easy answers.

ithos 05-16-2023 07:10 AM

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)

dewilson58 05-16-2023 07:14 AM

Quote:

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

Okay, Did you stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night???

:posting:

ThirdOfFive 05-16-2023 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guppyvii (Post 2218092)
I had a preventative medicine full physical every other year at Cooper Clinic in Dallas until I retired. I was going to ask the same question you did. The convenience of getting it all done in one place and in one day and then discussing with a doctor that has more than 10 minutes with you was peace of mind. Is it considered too late for preventative medicine if you’re on Medicare? I’m not there yet but dreading it from what I hear.

Great question!

As with (I assume) most of us, I've been getting regular colonoscopies as a preventative measure. I think most recently every five years. Comes time for my last physical, Doc asks me when my last colonoscopy was. 2018 as I recall. He then told me the "good" news: as I was now 75 I no longer needed regular colonoscopies, just "as needed" though he didn't define what "as needed" would consist of.

Was it good news? Or at 75 does the insurance look at me as someone with one foot in the grave and the other one on a banana peeling, so why waste money checking for things when odds are I'm going to be cashing it in soon enough anyway?

BobAugustine 05-16-2023 08:03 AM

Regarding Colonoscopies after age 75
 
The reason they don't do colonoscopies after age 75 is the possibility that you face a greater risk of piercing your colon than you do of contracting colon cancer.

paulat585 05-16-2023 08:22 AM

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.

retiredguy123 05-16-2023 08:27 AM

Quote:

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.

What is a health screener?

Deden 05-16-2023 08:54 AM

Tri County Health Cardiologist, on 441 at the Sharon next to the Village hospital in Lady Lake the villages fl. she did all my exams your asking about right at the office. Also, Novu Dermatology Dr. Cristina Novela Cortes, MD (Internist) Shares the building with her husband which is a dermatologist. Good Luck with all your exams!

Lisanp@aol.com 05-16-2023 09:07 AM

The reason you received a "complete exam" is that the facility you went to owned expensive machines that they needed to pay for, and your insurance company helped them to do so. A good PCP will order test that are needed following your annual visit based on your individual case (or recommended according to established guidelines of age or time since last test). You don't need a bone density every year. Yes it's less convenient to have to schedule at another facility/date following your annual but this is actually what good doctors do.

CosmicTrucker 05-16-2023 09:10 AM

Quote:

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

Solid advice.

MrLonzo 05-16-2023 09:50 AM

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'?

rrdsg 05-16-2023 10:13 AM

Why undergo unnecessary procedures? Personally, I adhere to the plan: If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Rainger99 05-16-2023 10:51 AM

Quote:

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'?

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.

golfing eagles 05-16-2023 01:02 PM

Quote:

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.

About $80 :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

golfing eagles 05-16-2023 01:05 PM

Quote:

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)

2 points:

Less information is better than more information if the "more" information is either a load of crap or gives false information.

I take it the medical school YOU went to did a very poor job of teaching nutrition, since you must have first hand information to make that sweeping claim.

rogerk 05-16-2023 02:10 PM

Quote:

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

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.

Normal 05-16-2023 03:10 PM

VA
 
I went to a private practice in Leesburg and found it pointless. Then I discovered the VA on 42. They are very efficient and I have zero complaints.

golfing eagles 05-16-2023 03:20 PM

Quote:

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.

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?

Stu from NYC 05-16-2023 04:08 PM

Quote:

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?

Knew that was coming.:BigApplause:

golfing eagles 05-16-2023 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC (Post 2218270)
Knew that was coming.:BigApplause:

I tried to resist---I really, really tried. I even waited 7 seconds (a good 7 seconds) before typing, but let's face it, he walked right into that one :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

JMintzer 05-16-2023 06:00 PM

Quote:

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?

https://media2.giphy.com/media/15BuyagtKucHm/giphy.gif

daniel200 05-16-2023 06:22 PM

There are several medical facilities in Florida that do extensive “executive” physicals. The UF Health Douglas Williams Executive Health Program is one that I would recommend. It takes a two of days of your time. It is also customized for your particular situation. This is a thorough physical staffed by people who specialize in this program.

Its not cheap and is not covered by insurance. If my memory is correct it was $3,400 in 2020.

You can google it for contact info

Lillyangel 05-16-2023 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by golfing eagles (Post 2218272)
I tried to resist---I really, really tried. I even waited 7 seconds (a good 7 seconds) before typing, but let's face it, he walked right into that one :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

I have heard many so-called doctors say some really stupid things. Bottom line, they are taught very little about nutrition and most of them these days just want you to pop a pill. They have no time to get to the true cause of the problem. Scream all you want about your worth, but actually, I believe you need to seek counseling for your control and self-esteem issues.

retiredguy123 05-16-2023 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lillyangel (Post 2218316)
I have heard many so-called doctors say some really stupid things. Bottom line, they are taught very little about nutrition and most of them these days just want you to pop a pill. They have no time to get to the true cause of the problem. Scream all you want about your worth, but actually, I believe you need to seek counseling for your control and self-esteem issues.

I think that doctors know a lot about nutrition and weight control, but they also know that their patients will not follow their advice, so they don't waste their time on it. There is a current television ad where a young woman with type 2 diabetes is happy and dancing around because she is taking a new fangled drug that has reduced her A1C. The problem is that the woman is obviously at least 100 pounds overweight, and, if she lost that weight, she may not need any drugs at all.

Stu from NYC 05-16-2023 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lillyangel (Post 2218316)
I have heard many so-called doctors say some really stupid things. Bottom line, they are taught very little about nutrition and most of them these days just want you to pop a pill. They have no time to get to the true cause of the problem. Scream all you want about your worth, but actually, I believe you need to seek counseling for your control and self-esteem issues.

Guess you do not like doctors or is it just so called doctors?

spinner1001 05-16-2023 08:53 PM

Quote:

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?

Whoosh.

Relativism is in fashion now but very dangerous. Facts matters. Opinions not so much.

golfing eagles 05-16-2023 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lillyangel (Post 2218316)
I have heard many so-called doctors say some really stupid things. Bottom line, they are taught very little about nutrition and most of them these days just want you to pop a pill. They have no time to get to the true cause of the problem. Scream all you want about your worth, but actually, I believe you need to seek counseling for your control and self-esteem issues.

Bottom line: You have absolutely no clue what you are talking about. To quote Luke Skywalker from Star Wars episode 8---"Everything you have just said is WRONG". Please tell me all you know about medical education and the curriculum at over 100 medical schools in the US. Please tell me about all the really stupid thing doctors say, which would mean you have more medical knowledge than they do to be able to judge their statements. Tell me your basis for the claim that they just want you to "pop a pill"---is that based on your years of experience diagnosing and treating patients or just something you just picked up on some talk show????? (Probably "The View":1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:) Tell me how physicians have "no time" to get to the cause of the problem. I have seen some really ignorant posts on TOTV over the years, but congratulations on making the top 3. And that's with ignoring your idiotic personal attack because it was so off base and without merit that it isn't worth mentioning any further.

PS: Are you off your neuroleptics and other psychotropic meds??????

GET HELP!

paulat585 05-17-2023 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by retiredguy123 (Post 2218155)
What is a health screener?

This type of service: https://discover.lifelinescreening.c...jFai_z2gCK4j6s

Golfer222 05-17-2023 12:45 PM

Could not agree with Golfing Eagles more.

As a board certified cardiologist I have seen many more complications from unnecessary testing than I care to imagine. Usually the docs succumbs to patient pressure or "just to be sure"

Case in point- screening stress test with no symptoms or risk factors for CAD. Stress test comes back mildly abnormal ( of which 40-50% do) , onto a nuclear stress test with again a mild abnormality (30 % false positive rate) , onto a heart cath in which a spiral dissection of a coronary occurs obligating a coronary bypass.

Now did anybody really do this patient any favors.


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