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How does a preventive check-up at a general practitioner look like?

How does a preventive check-up at a general practitioner look like?

Preventive check-ups at a general practitioner are a fundamental pillar of preventive healthcare in the Czech Republic. They are fully covered by health insurance and their goal is to detect health problems early on, before they cause serious difficulties. Nevertheless, many people do not take advantage of regular check-ups, even though prevention can prevent complicated diseases, long-term and demanding treatment, and a deterioration in quality of life.

How often to go for a preventive check-up

For adults, a preventive check-up is recommended once every two years. The system is different for children. Pediatric preventive check-ups are more frequent, especially in the first years of life, and monitor the child's growth and development. In short, it is best to go for a preventive check-up whenever you are entitled to one.

What does a preventive check-up involve for an adult patient?

1. Medical history

The first part of the examination is an interview. Thanks to the medical history your general practitioner can target further examinations at areas that are risky for the patient and monitor possible subtle symptoms associated with, for example, hereditary diseases in the future. In subsequent regular examinations, the doctor usually asks about previously addressed situations and finds out if any new facts have emerged.

The doctor should ask about:

  • family history (hereditary diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer), and record the health problems of both parents and known diagnoses of older generations,

  • previous health problems, injuries, hospitalizations,

  • medications taken, allergies,

  • lifestyle (smoking, alcohol, physical activity, diet, workload).

2. Physical examination

An important part of a preventive examination is a physical examination of the client. During these procedures, the doctor uses simple tools and their own senses to assess the patient's observable condition. They evaluate by sight, touch, tapping, listening, and, of course, using appropriate examination equipment.

The physical examination as part of the preventive check-up includes:

  • measurement of blood pressure, pulse, body weight and height, calculation of BMI,

  • auscultation of the heart and lungs, examination of the abdomen, thyroid gland, lymph nodes,

  • skin check: moles, skin changes, but this may be left to a dermatologist,

  • in men, an examination of the testicles by palpation is sometimes performed, in women, an approximate examination of the breasts (a more detailed screening is then performed by a gynecologist),

  • if prostate cancer is suspected, a rectal examination is also performed.

3. Laboratory tests

The doctor will take a blood sample and send it for analysis. You will also need to bring a morning urine sample for testing, and in some cases a stool sample. The range of factors monitored varies according to age and risk factors determined mainly on the basis of medical history or possible symptoms.

During a preventive examination, doctors perform the following laboratory tests:

  • blood count, sugar level, cholesterol, fats (standard at ages 40, 50, and 60, otherwise as indicated),

  • urine test (detects e.g. inflammation, diabetes, kidney disorders),

  • liver tests, uric acid, and other parameters in high-risk patients.

4. Screening tests

Preventive check-ups often include recommendations for specialized programs to provide the most accurate overview of the patient's condition:

  • mammograms for women aged 45 and older every 2 years,

  • eye exams for people aged 45 to 61 (every 4 years)

  • cervical cancer screening (gynecological examinations from age 15, once a year),

  • colorectal cancer screening from age 50 (occult blood test or colonoscopy)

  • the general practitioner will also check vaccination status and recommend any necessary vaccinations or revaccinations (e.g., tetanus every 10 to 15 years, vaccinations against tick-borne encephalitis, pneumococcus, or influenza)

Preventive examinations for children

Preventive examinations for children have a different structure. The pediatrician monitors:

  • the child's growth and development (physical measurements, motor skills, speech, mental development),

  • vaccinations according to the vaccination calendar,

  • examination of vision, hearing, teeth, and musculoskeletal system,

  • preventive laboratory tests,

  • during puberty, mental health, risky behavior, and habits.

These check-ups take place at regular intervals from birth to 18 years of age in accordance with Decree No. 70/2012 Coll. on preventive check-ups in Czech law system. The decree also provides a complete overview of these check-ups and their requirements.

Why preventive check-ups are important

A preventive check-up is not just a formality. They can detect the following in time:

  • high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes before the first symptoms appear,

  • tumors at an early, easily treatable stage,

  • heart disease, thyroid or kidney dysfunction,

  • lifestyle risk factors to which the patient can respond in time.

Statistics show that people who go for regular check-ups have a better prognosis for chronic diseases and often live longer.

Practical tips for patients

  • Everyone is entitled to a free preventive check-up once every two years.

  • Don't postpone it. Early detection of problems can significantly improve treatment.

  • Bring a list of medications you are taking and, if applicable, your current test results from specialists.

  • If you have any concerns or specific symptoms, discuss them openly with your doctor, as prevention is also a good opportunity for consultation.

 

A preventive check-up with a general practitioner is a systematic examination that includes medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and screening recommendations. Its goal is the early detection of diseases and risk factors, which can save your health and even your life. That is why it pays to take advantage of preventive care regularly. Take advantage of preventive check-ups with your general practitioner as part of our membership programs.




Sources:

https://www.vzp.cz/pojistenci/prevence/preventivni-prohlidky/vseobecna-preventivni-prohlidka

https://www.ozp.cz/pro-klienty/preventivni-prohlidky-dospeli

https://www.vzp.cz/o-nas/tiskove-centrum/otazky-tydne/vseobecna-prakticka-prohlidka-u-pldd

https://www.zakonyprolidi.cz/cs/2012-70

https://www.wikiskripta.eu/w/Fyzik%C3%A1ln%C3%AD_vy%C5%A1et%C5%99en%C3%AD

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