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Wise Health Care Choices  »  Medical Exams & Tests

A routine checkup from a doctor or health care provider is a way to find out your health status. It allows you to ask questions, too. It also helps you find out if you have a health problem you don’t know about. Some diseases, such as high blood pressure and some cancers, may not have symptoms in the early stages. Tests and exams can help detect these.


The Basic Parts of a Checkup

  1. •A complete medical history. This includes family health history, past illnesses, and current problems.

  2. •A check on how well your eyes, ears, heart, bowels, etc. function.

  3. •A check of your blood pressure, pulse, temperature, etc.

  4. •A medical exam.

  5. •Possible routine tests for your conditions, gender, or age, such as blood tests or X-rays.

  6. •A check of specific health concerns.

  7. •Vaccinations, as needed.

Tests & What They Are For

Abdominal Aortic Anuerysm. This checks for problems with the aorta (the main artery in the body) and other structures in the upper abdomen.


Blood Pressure Test. This checks the force of blood against the walls of the arteries. The top number (systolic pressure) measures the force as the heart beats. The bottom number (diastolic pressure) measures the force between heartbeats when the heart is being refilled. High blood pressure may have no symptoms. It can lead to a heart attack and/or stroke.


Chlamydia Screening. This checks for chlamydia bacteria, which is transmitted sexually.


Cholesterol Blood Test. This checks the levels of fatty deposits (cholesterol) in the blood. High LDL-cholesterol levels are linked to heart disease.


Colorectal Cancer Screening. This checks for early signs of colorectal problems, including cancer.


Diabetes Screening. This checks for normal and abnormal blood sugar levels.


Mammogram. This X-ray detects breast problems.


Osteoporosis Screening. This measures bone density to predict the risk for fractures.


Pap Test. This checks for early signs of cervical cancer.


Professional Breast Exam. A health care provider examines the breasts for problems.


Prostate Cancer Screening. Two screening tests are a digital rectal exam and a PSA blood test.