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Annual Health Check Up

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Overview of

Annual Health Check Up

in Thailand

An annual health check up is a procedure performed every year to ensure a person’s good health is maintained, and to diagnose or detect abnormalities in a patient's body with/without symptoms. Also known as annual health examination, or annual physical health assessment, this procedure could predict the probability of occurrence of any disease.

Various factors such as personal medical history, family history, lifestyle, vital signs, Body Mass Index (BMI), etc are considered and relevant tests/procedures are prescribed accordingly. A patient’s health history sheds light upon the ways through which existing disease conditions can be treated/controlled. Having a family history also helps explain the risk of certain diseases manifesting in the future, specifically ones that presented commonly among the patient's close family members.

The physical examination delivers highly valuable data on a person’s basic health. Lab tests provide even more data by analyzing the chemical components of body fluids. To summarize, an annual health check up eases overall, long term patient treatment by helping the physician rule out some medical conditions and/or take precautionary measures for conditions with a high probability of occurrence.

Reports from lab tests are the primary requirement for the physician to evaluate a patient’s overall health conditions. The most common health parameters are measured from blood and urine samples.

The most common lab tests performed during an annual health check up are :

Basic lab tests from blood and urine samples

CBC – Complete Blood Count
Blood group, Rh
Fasting blood sugar (FBS)
Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1C)
Urine examination
Gout
Uric acid

Kidney Function Panel

Creatinine with eGFR
Blood, Urea, Nitrogen (BUN)

Lipid profile tests

Cholesterol
High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL)
Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL)
Triglyceride

Liver function panel

Albumin, total protein
SGPT, SGOT
GGT, ALP, Direct Bilirubin, total Bilirubin

Thyroid panel

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
Free thyroxine (free T4)
Free T3

Hepatitis screening

Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)
Hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb)
Hepatitis C virus (AntiHCV)

Tumor markers

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)
Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA)
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)
CA 19-9

Hormone tests

Testosterone
Estradiol FSH

Radiology tests

Chest X-ray (CXR)
Whole Abdomen ultrasound
Digital mammogram with ultrasound

Vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes

Calcium
Vitamin D total
Serum sodium and potassium (NaK)

Eye and ear wellness

Basic eye examination
Fundus camera
Audiometry

Other tests

Stool examination
Electrocardiogram
Exercise stress test (EST)/Echocardiogram (Echo)
Pap smear
Bone mineral density Hip, Spine (BMD Hip, Spine)
Folate
Lipoprotein
C reactive protein
Homocysteine
Body composition analyser
Ankle-brachial index (ABI)
Fibroscan

Listed below are the most common conditions that doctors screen for –

Diabetes Mellitus
Hyperlipidemia
Cardiac abnormalities
Atherosclerosis
Chronic Kidney Disease
Liver diseases and infections
Hyperthyroidism & Hypothyroidism
Tumors
Eye and ear-related disorders

Goals of

Annual Health Check Up

Annual health check ups are recommended for everyone above the age of 35. Individuals who are at risk for major health disorders such as cardiac abnormalities, diabetes, or cancer, must start screening earlier. Possessing a family history of any disease raises the probability of developing one in the future. Lifestyle changes and living conditions also add weight to the chances of acquiring such diseases.

It is never too late to start signing up for annual health check ups. Some conditions may never show up with any symptoms but may be found during annual health check ups. This helps to formulate an early and better treatment plan, making the whole journey of recovery easier when compared to conditions that are diagnosed only after symptoms have advanced.

Annual health check ups also assist preventive health care by reducing the onset of any disease by taking precautionary measures, even before they fully manifest. This can be achieved by following the doctor’s advice post annual health check ups such as following a prescribed diet plan to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, for example.

Annual health check ups help to assess health risks by enabling the physician to highlight certain parameters associated with the patient’s lifestyle. For example, a stressed professional with no work-life balance might be at high risk for cardiovascular diseases. Smoking/alcohol, lack of physical exercise, and an unhealthy diet raise the risk factors. The doctor could correlate the results from annual health check ups with the patient’s risk factors to come up with a better treatment plan.

The primary goal of annual health check ups is the prevention of diseases before they develop, early detection of diseases after their onset, and a better treatment plan by assessing the patient's health risks (genetic factors, lifestyle, etc). Even if the patient feels perfectly healthy, age and other risk factors call for action. Being symptomless does not mean the absence of any disease.

Annual health check ups are also recommended for couples before marriage. This might help pave way for a smooth relationship thereafter. A family can be difficult to build and maintain, and being aware of you and your partner’s health risks as you begin one will help keep you prepared.

A physical examination is also required, examining certain physiological functions of the patient’s body. The patient is directly and closely examined by a qualified physician. Inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation are some of the various segments of physical examination. Body Mass Index (BMI) calculated from height and weight presents valuable information on the patient's current health status and risks of developing any disease in the future.

General health checks such as mammograms and tumor marker tests also help to screen for cancer. EKG, Echos, and lipid profile tests etc., may be used to detect cardiac abnormalities and other chronic conditions. A medical history also provides an overview of the patient’s past medical history as well as family history. This information is derived from the previous reports or verbal statements from the patient.

Common lab tests prescribed for annual health checkups are blood and urine analysis, stool examination, kidney and liver function tests, lipid profile tests, thyroid tests, and hormone tests.

Common medical imaging tests performed in annual health check ups are chest X-rays, whole abdomen ultrasounds, and digital mammograms.

Cancer screening tests are tumor marker tests such as AFP, CEA, PSA, and CA 19-9.

Preparation before

Annual Health Check Up

Pre - treatment

There are a few points to remember while preparing for annual health check ups

The person should not eat or drink anything (including water) 8-12 hours before appearing for the tests.
For women, it is recommended to take the tests 7 - 10 before or after their period.
For diabetes patients, it is advised not to take medicines while appearing for the check up. Medications for other chronic diseases can be taken.
Intake of alcohol must be avoided the day (24 hours) before check up. Smoking should also be avoided.
All previous health reports must be brought.

Recovery after

Annual Health Check Up

Post - treatment

After obtaining the test reports, the patient proceeds to consult the doctor. The reports are carefully analyzed before making any decision. If abnormal values are present, the doctor will provide advice regarding diet, lifestyle modifications, and medications. This constitutes a major part of the treatment plan.

Sometimes the doctor may request a re-test for any particular parameter. This is to rule out ‘false positives’ and ‘false negatives’. A false positive result means the test shows the presence of a disorder which does not actually exist. On the other hand, a false negative result denies the presence of a particular disease that the patient actually has.

If the test results come back unfavorably, the doctor may first take a session to explain the condition clearly to the patient. Repeated tests are conducted if required. The next step is the treatment plan in which the doctor lists out the needed medications and other therapies. The patient is advised to follow the treatment plan and is requested to return at specified regular intervals.

Risks & side effects

Annual health check ups are generally safe with no painful procedures. The only risk they carry is the onset of anxiety that can exist even after the procedure. In rare cases, misdiagnosis may occur due to incorrect values. Mostly, the physician might be able to detect discrepancies and request a re-check. Upon misdiagnosis, the patient might face multiple trials of lab tests or unnecessary radiation exposure. Side effects with adverse reactions are extremely rare.

FAQs:

Annual Health Check Up

How do I choose a particular package of health check up?

Annual health check up plans come in different packages. Every medical facility offers different types of annual health check ups that vary mainly in terms of age, gender, and major illnesses.

The first step in the process of choosing a plan is checking for the list of tests covered. If the patient already has chronic diseases, then packages that are particularly designed for such conditions must be chosen.

If a person has a known family history of any chronic disease, then he/she might choose a package covering it. Plans can also be chosen based on the various risk factors a person carries in developing a disease. In other cases, plans may be chosen based on gender and age.

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How do I overcome stress and anxiety before the procedure?

It is common to experience anxiety or feel nervous before any health check up. The most common reasons are – fear of facing abnormal health parameters, being anxious of criticism from doctors regarding an unhealthy lifestyle, worrying that conditions may go undiagnosed, or misdiagnosed. Patients may also simply be uncomfortable, whether from a fear of needles, blood or any other part of the examination. The following tips may help overcome stress and anxiety before health check ups:

Choose the right part of the week and the right time for the check up.
Take a trustworthy friend or relative who can provide support.
Plan ahead for lighter, satisfying and necessary meals.
Be open and honest in expressing your emotions towards the procedures.
Be assured that you are not alone and most people experience the same feelings in similar situations.
Trust your doctor and be confident and optimistic about following the treatment plan.

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How might I react to unfavorable results?

It may seem unfortunate to receive news of any medical condition that wasn’t expected. Be optimistic that it is better to find out beforehand rather than remain undiagnosed.

Request a second opinion or double-check before confirming. This will rule out the possibility of misdiagnosis. Try to adhere to the treatment plan as much as possible. Always remind yourself that you are not alone and never hesitate to seek help anytime.

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How do I follow up with a physician following the annual health check up?

Choose a physician with whom you are comfortable, as the follow-up visits may extend for a longer time in the case of aged patients. Schedule visits in regular intervals and is consistent in reporting. Follow all guidelines and prescriptions as this may enable both the physician and yourself throughout your journey towards a healthy life.

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Are self-monitors at home reliable?

Following annual health check ups, you may choose to use self-operable medical devices such as glucose monitors, blood pressure monitors, drug delivery systems, etc. It’s best to discuss home care with your doctor, where you’ll receive advice and assistance however needed.

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