Who needs a check-up, and how often
Published · 3 min read · General medicine
A check-up is for people who feel well. The point is to find problems that are not yet causing symptoms: high blood pressure, raised blood sugar or cholesterol, anaemia, thyroid problems.
How often
- Ages 18 to 39 with no complaints: a basic check-up every 2–3 years.
- From 40: once a year.
- With diabetes, high blood pressure or early heart disease in the family: on the schedule your doctor sets.
A package or separate tests
A package puts the tests and the consultation into one visit and costs about 25–30% less than the same items one by one. But the most important part is the explanation: a doctor who reads the numbers with you and writes down what to do next.
Getting ready
Come in the morning without breakfast, and bring a list of the medicines you take and any test results from recent years. A check-up takes 2–3 hours; most results are ready the next day and the doctor goes through them at a visit or by phone.
This article is for information and does not replace a visit to a doctor.
