Alternative Names how often to get a physical examination
Definition Everyone should have physical examinations on a regular basis. These examinations are an important way to stay healthy and detect problems that might go un-noticed until major problems have occurred.
What is the information for this topic? How often a person should have a physical depends on his or her age.
Anyone with a chronic medical condition, such as:
cancer, a disease in which abnormal cells grow, divide and can spread to other parts of the body
diabetes, a disease that occurs when the pancreas, the organ that makes insulin does not function properly. Without insulin, sugar builds up in the blood and urine.
coronary artery disease, a disease in which the coronary arteries, the tubes that supply blood to the heart, become clogged with a fatty substance, which prevents blood flow to the heart
hypercholesterolaemia, or a high cholesterol level
should talk to their doctor about what the right schedule is for them.
Below is a basic examination schedule for healthy people:
Healthy babies should have a physical examination at birth, and again when they are 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18 months of age.
From the ages of 2 to 18, the frequency of physical examinations can vary greatly. During this time, children need to be given certain vaccines, as designated by the National Health and Medical Research Council.
Children between the ages of 2 and 13 should see the doctor every 1 to 2 years.
Adolescents between the ages of 13 and 18, if not sexually active, should have an examination every 1 to 3 years. Those that are sexually active need follow-up and a physical examination every year.
Adults between the ages of 19 and 64 should have a physical examination about every 1 to 3 years.
Those older than 64 should have a yearly examination.
women require a pap smear every 2 years
Anyone with chronic problems, such as those listed above, other medical concerns, or at high risk for developing certain diseases, should talk to their doctor or healthcare professional.
Author: James Broomfield, MD Reviewer: HealthAnswers Australia Medical Review Panel Editor: Dr David Taylor, Chief Medical Officer HealthAnswers Australia Last Updated: 1/10/2001 Contributors Potential conflict of interest information for reviewers available on request
