Physical Exams - Male - 60+ years old

[Z-TAC]

Obamacare, and many other insurers, offer "free" annual physical exams. Last year I had the worst annual physical exam of my life. So, in December, I started asking my medical provider (a major hospital) and my insurer (a biggy) just exactly what is included ing the "free" annual exam. They BOTH have refused to provide me with a list. This is outrageous, but I'll bet you can't get one either.

So, I've created my own list for males age 60 and over. I'd like to hear from you, and from those in other countries, what you get with their exams.

. Pulse, respiration, temperature, blood pressure, weight, height, waist, BMI (Body Mass Index)
. Medication review
. Digital Rectal exam (prostate)
. Testicular exam
. Hernia exam
. Heart exam (no EKG)
. Lung exam
. Head and Neck exam (ENT, thyroid, carotid arteries)
. Abdominal exam
. Neurological exam (nerves, muscle strength, reflexes, balance)
. Dermatological and scalp exam for changes and unusual moles, nails.
. Extremities exam (pulse)

Vaccinations
. Review status – Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, etc.
. Zoster vaccine (shingles)

Lab work:
. Fecal occult blood test
. Cholesterol screening
. Blood sugar
. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone test
. CMP (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel)
. PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen)
. CBC with Differential, Auto (Complete Blood Count)
. LFT (Liver Function Test)
. B12 & Folic Acid
. Uric Acid, Serum
. ANA w/Reflex if positive
. Urinalysis
. Fibrinogen (blood clotting & inflatmation)
. Hemoglobin A1C (3-month blood sugar control)
. DHEA (adrenal gland hormone, immune, bone, mood, libido)
. Homocysteine (heart, bone, cognitive)
. C-Reactive Protein (Inflammation within the body)
. Testosterone
. Estradiol

References:
http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2006/may2006_report_blood_01.htm
http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/guide/milestone-medical-tests-60-up
http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2005/toolkit/olderadults/OAnutrition.htm
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/fitness/Pages/physical-activity-guidelines-for-older-adults.aspx

Clinical Methods, 3rd edition - The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK201/

[myshortpencil]

I couldn't possibly comment about that. Too young and too sexy. :) But if you'd help me beat Ste\/e, I could check my great grandfather's medical records. =))

Kidding aside, nice list.

[Mumps]

So, did you take this list to your most recent exam and did they perform them all? I need to start thinking about what should be approriate for a male my age too...

Not sure if it would be appropriate in the Physicians setting, but checking the eyes for glaucoma should be a necessity as that age nears. As well as a simple hearing screening.

[Z-TAC]

I'll take it to my exam tomorrow morning. Eye, hearing and dental, all essential, too, just can't get a GP to do 'em.

[Duke of Buckingham]

It is difficult enough to talk about all those exams in the mother languange, in a foreign language that seems quite an impossible task but I follow this thread the best I can.

I think I have done most of those exams on that list.