Mandatory check-list for annual medical examination: what should you pay attention to? What exactly is the "mandatory minimum program"?
The healthcare system initiated by Nikolai Alexandrovich Semashko, aimed primarily at disease prevention, is recognized as the best in the world. While many developed countries are currently implementing this system, in Ukraine, unfortunately, it is being simplified for various reasons.
In my opinion, one of the best ideas of the Semashko system was the annual preventive medical examination. Nowadays, we call it a check-up.
Medical check-up. Unfortunately, both individual doctors and some private clinics often abuse it, prescribing patients to undergo a full range of diagnostic services. However, today's financial capabilities dictate certain limitations.
I propose a mandatory check-list for examination:
Mandatory tests:
- Clinical blood and urine tests
- Blood tests for kidney and liver function, total cholesterol, and blood serum glucose. I recommend doing all laboratory tests on an empty stomach. Well, except for stress tests, but that's for another video.
- Radiological examination of the chest organs This can include: fluorography (as we are used to), digital radiological examination, X-ray, or computed tomography. Ultrasound examination should be conducted for the abdominal organs, thyroid gland, urinary tract, pelvic organs in women, and prostate in men.
- Electrocardiogram This is the "mandatory minimum program" of a medical check-up.
It should be noted that there are mandatory aspects that require attention: age, gender, and your previous illnesses. Taking into account your individual characteristics, additional laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures may be added. I recommend discussing this, as well as the results of your examination, with your family doctor.
Personally, I suggest taking responsibility for your health and undergoing an annual preventive medical examination.