Checkups

Checkups are routine health evaluations performed by healthcare professionals to monitor an individual's health, prevent disease, and identify problems early before symptoms arise. They are part of preventive care and occur in primary care, dental, vision, or occupational health settings.

A typical medical checkup includes a medical history review, measurement of vital signs (height, weight, blood pressure, pulse), a general physical examination, and screening tests such as blood work, cholesterol, glucose tests, and age- or risk-guided screenings. Immunizations and counseling on lifestyle choices are commonly offered.

Checkups vary by age, sex, and risk factors. Adults are often advised to have annual or periodic visits, with targeted screenings (for example, cancer and cardiovascular disease) based on guidelines. Children and teens have well-child visits at prescribed intervals. Other checkups include dental exams, vision and hearing tests, and occupational or travel health assessments.

Benefits of checkups include early disease detection, establishing a health baseline, preventive education, and the opportunity to prevent complications. Limitations include false positives or negatives, overdiagnosis, anxiety, and cost. Guidelines emphasize shared decision-making to determine which services are appropriate for an individual.

The process typically involves scheduling, privacy and consent considerations, results interpretation, and follow-up appointments if needed. Checkups support ongoing care and are not a substitute for urgent evaluation when new symptoms appear.