Assessment
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Health checks are great for the fact that they can be interpreted immediately. A health check together with a medical history can be used by your doctor to assess your general health and well-being. Health checks should not be reserved for when you are feeling unwell - they are a great way of ensuring your general health is maintained. Some symptoms such as high blood pressure may not produce any obvious physical symptoms, however early detection and treatment can help ensure that your heart remains healthy and that your risk of heart disease or stroke are greatly reduced.
There can be great variation in how detailed a health check is depending on its purpose. A health check may be brief, but a complete health check involves evaluating everything from the patient's appearance to specific organ systems. All the information is recorded which then forms part of your medical record.
There are several techniques your doctor may use during a health check:
During a health check, the doctor will first record your medical history. He may make notes on your general appearance and then check your vital signs – temperature, pulse, blood pressure. He will then measure your height and weight. Any pain being experienced will also be noted (usually measured as the patient's perception of the pain on a scale of 1-10).
The doctor will then proceed through a range of possible examinations on various parts of your body as detailed below:
Abdominal Area
The doctor can evaluate the abdominal area by examining the abdomen, liver, spleen, kidneys, costo-vertebral angle,
anus and rectum by using a variety of techniques such as visual examination, percussion, palpation and auscultation.
The doctor may also look for a linguinal hernia and take a stool sample.
Skin Examination
A skin examination will involve visually examining the skin's color, texture, turgor, moisture, pigmentation, lesions,
hair distribution and warmth in order to assess general health and detect local and systemic disease. The skin on
the legs may also be examined to detect arterial and venous insufficiency.
Ears, Nose and Throat (ENT)
The doctor may do an ear, nose and throat assessment by examining the external ear, internal ear and nose – an otoscope
is used to examine the inside of the ear or nose. A basic hearing test may also be conducted.
Heart Function Heart function can be assessed by measuring the radial pulse, auscultation of the heart, palpation of the precardium, examination of the neck veins, suprasternal notch and precardium. The limbs may also be assessed for evidence of edema.
Head and Neck The doctor evaluates the head and neck area by examining the head, scalp, mouth, salivary glands, thyroid gland and cervical nodes. During this examination organs such as the tonsils, tongue, gums, scalp, teeth and membranes can be assessed.
Sexual Organs Various assessment techniques may be performed on male and female sexual organs. The doctor may examine the vagina, cervix, breasts, axillary nodes, penis scrotum, inguinal nodes and may perform a pap smear, bimanual examination or a rectovaginal examination.
Mobility
The doctor will also examine and evaluate the spine, arm, leg and neck joints to assess such things as joint mobility
and spine alignment. Evaluation of the motor system utilizes tests involving the arm and leg muscles and the cerebellar
functioning can be tested by asking the patient to perform specific movements.
Lung Function
The lungs may be assessed by measuring the respiratory rate, examining the trachea position, chest expansion and
percussion, voice transmission and listening to the lungs.
Eye Examination
An eye examination may involve a vision test, inspection of structures around and in the eye and assessment of the
functioning of muscles and pupils of the eye.
Nervous System A patient's nervous system can be assessed by evaluating the mental status, cranial nerves, motor system, sensory system, reflexes, cerebellar function and gait. The cranial nerves can be evaluated by performing a variety of tests involving various sensory organs such as the eyes, mouth, skin and ears. The patient's mental status is usually assessed verbally.
Other Tests
Further tests will be ordered by the doctor if deemed necessary e.g. blood tests.
The doctor may then offer you advice on how to prevent disease and maintain or improve your health. You may even receive written information about what screening or preventative services you should undertake.
It is up to you whether you follow up on your doctor's advice on further tests, screenings, lifestyle changes etc.
Common Assessments
Some of the more common assessments and measurements that may be performed during a health check are listed below:
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Copyright © 2011 Health Grades Inc. All rights reserved. Last Update: 7 May, 2013 (0:11)
