We all go to the doctor when we are ill, but wellness exams are a good way to establish an ongoing relationship with your physician and vital to maintaining good health.
We know that we need to have physicals, pap smears, colonoscopies, etc., but exactly when are they indicated? For starters, complete physicals, which includes a full history, exam, and full blood work should be scheduled as follows:
Under age 40: every four years • Age 40 to 50: every two years • Over 50: every year.
These are just guidelines, and should be adjusted based on your needs and baseline health. You may want to check with your insurance company to see what they cover.
Pap smears, the 2003 American Cancer Society recommendations state that if you are over 30, are not on hormones, and have always had normal paps, you may wait two to three years between paps. Otherwise, they are still indicated every year. Young women should start getting paps at age 21, or once becoming sexually active, whichever comes first.
Mammograms are indicated as a first screening once between ages of 35 and 40 and once yearly after 40. Mammograms are indicated any time you find a lump or have a concern.
A colonoscopy is recommended starting at age 50. If you have a family history of colon cancer, or if you are having any bowel problems, you should have this exam done sooner.
Prostate exams are usually begun in men at age 50 or sooner if there is a family history of problems, or if the patient is having symptoms.
All of these should be used as guidelines and adapted to fit your own personal needs and baseline health. If you have any ongoing medical problems your primary care doctor should inform you how often you should be monitored.
Dr. Patty Wells and Karen Davis, P.A.-C. are available at our new location to perform complete physicals five days a week. As established patients, we can usually see you within 24 hours for minor problems as well.
Call today to schedule an appointment at 661-284-7642.