Health Checkups, Tests & Scans

Health Checkups, Tests & Examinations

Here’s a comprehensive list of 35 health checkups, tests, examinations, or scans that a person can typically take without being acutely ill, along with details about each:

Availability, coverage by insurance/national health services, and specific recommendations can vary significantly by location and individual circumstances. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

General Health & Screening:

1. Annual Physical Exam/Checkup:

   • Purpose: Overall health assessment, vital signs, physical examination of various body systems, discussion of health concerns and lifestyle.
   • Referral: Usually requires a doctor’s appointment.
   • Potential Issues: Hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, infections, early signs of various diseases.
   • Specialists: General practitioners (GPs), internists.
   • Coverage: Typically covered by insurance/national health services.
   • Ideal Age/Gender: All adults, annually.

1. Full Blood Count (FBC) / Complete Blood Count (CBC):

   • Purpose: Evaluates blood cells (red, white, platelets), detects infections, anemia, blood clotting disorders, and some cancers.
   • Referral: Usually requires a doctor’s referral, but some direct-to-consumer options exist.
   • Potential Issues: Anemia, infections, leukemia, clotting disorders.
   • Specialists: Hematologists, GPs.
   • Coverage: Usually covered.
   • Ideal Age/Gender: All ages, as recommended by a doctor.

1. Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP):

   • Purpose: Assesses kidney and liver function, electrolytes, blood sugar, and protein levels.
   • Referral: Usually requires a doctor’s referral, but some direct-to-consumer options exist.
   • Potential Issues: Kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, electrolyte imbalances.
   • Specialists: Nephrologists, hepatologists, endocrinologists, GPs.
   • Coverage: Usually covered.
   • Ideal Age/Gender: Adults, as recommended by a doctor.

1. Lipid Panel (Cholesterol Test):

   • Purpose: Measures cholesterol levels (total, LDL, HDL, triglycerides) to assess risk of heart disease.
   • Referral: Often part of a routine checkup, also available directly in some places.
   • Potential Issues: High cholesterol, increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
   • Specialists: Cardiologists, GPs.
   • Coverage: Usually covered.
   • Ideal Age/Gender: Adults, starting around age 20, more frequently with risk factors.

1. Urinalysis (Urine Test):

   • Purpose: Detects urinary tract infections, kidney disease, diabetes, and other conditions.
   • Referral: Usually requires a doctor’s referral, sometimes available as part of a wellness screening.
   • Potential Issues: UTI, kidney disease, diabetes.
   • Specialists: Urologists, nephrologists, GPs.
   • Coverage: Usually covered.
   • Ideal Age/Gender: All ages, as recommended.

Cancer Screening:

6. Colonoscopy:

   • Purpose: Screens for colorectal cancer and polyps.
   • Referral: Requires a doctor’s referral.
   • Potential Issues: Colorectal cancer, polyps.
   • Specialists: Gastroenterologists.
   • Coverage: Usually covered, especially for those over 45-50.
   • Ideal Age/Gender: Adults starting at 45-50, earlier with family history, every 10 years or as recommended.

7. Mammogram:

   • Purpose: Screens for breast cancer.
   • Referral: May or may not require referral depending on location and age.
   • Potential Issues: Breast cancer.
   • Specialists: Radiologists, oncologists.
   • Coverage: Usually covered for women over 40-50, earlier with risk factors.
   • Ideal Age/Gender: Women, starting at 40-50, annually or bi-annually.

6. Pap Smear/HPV Test:

   • Purpose: Screens for cervical cancer and HPV infection.
   • Referral: Requires a doctor’s appointment.
   • Potential Issues: Cervical cancer, HPV infection.
   • Specialists: Gynecologists.
   • Coverage: Usually covered.
   • Ideal Age/Gender: Women, starting at age 21, frequency varies based on results.

6. Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test:

   • Purpose: Screens for prostate cancer.
   • Referral: Requires a doctor’s recommendation.
   • Potential Issues: Prostate cancer, enlarged prostate.
   • Specialists: Urologists.
   • Coverage: May be covered for men over 50, or earlier with risk factors.
   • Ideal Age/Gender: Men over 50, or earlier with risk factors, discuss with doctor.

6. Skin Cancer Screening:

   • Purpose: Visual examination of the skin for suspicious moles or lesions.
   • Referral: Can be done by a dermatologist or GP.
   • Potential Issues: Skin cancer (melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma).
   • Specialists: Dermatologists.
   • Coverage: Usually covered.
   • Ideal Age/Gender: All adults, especially those with fair skin or a history of sun exposure, annually.

Cardiovascular Health:

11. Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG):

    • Purpose: Measures electrical activity of the heart, detects arrhythmias or heart damage.
    • Referral: Usually requires a doctor’s referral.
    • Potential Issues: Arrhythmias, heart attack, heart disease.
    • Specialists: Cardiologists.
    • Coverage: Usually covered.
    • Ideal Age/Gender: Adults with risk factors for heart disease, or as recommended.

11. Echocardiogram:

    • Purpose: Ultrasound of the heart, assesses heart structure and function.
    • Referral: Requires a doctor’s referral.
    • Potential Issues: Heart valve problems, heart failure.
    • Specialists: Cardiologists.
    • Coverage: Usually covered.
    • Ideal Age/Gender: As recommended by a doctor.

11. Stress Test (Exercise or Chemical):

    • Purpose: Evaluates heart function during exertion.
    • Referral: Requires a doctor’s referral.
    • Potential Issues: Coronary artery disease.
    • Specialists: Cardiologists.
    • Coverage: Usually covered.
    • Ideal Age/Gender: As recommended by a doctor.

Bone and Joint Health:

14. Bone Density Scan (DEXA Scan):
    • Purpose: Measures bone density to assess risk of osteoporosis.
    • Referral: Usually requires a doctor’s referral.
    • Potential Issues: Osteoporosis, osteopenia.
    • Specialists: Endocrinologists, rheumatologists.
    • Coverage: Usually covered for women over 65 and men over 70, or earlier with risk factors.
    • Ideal Age/Gender: Women over 65, men over 70, or earlier with risk factors.

Vision and Hearing:

15. Eye Exam/Vision Test:

    • Purpose: Assesses vision, checks for eye diseases.
    • Referral: Can be done by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
    • Potential Issues: Refractive errors, glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration.
    • Specialists: Optometrists, ophthalmologists.
    • Coverage: May be partially covered by vision insurance or national health services.
    • Ideal Age/Gender: All ages, annually for children and older adults, every 1-2 years for adults.

15. Hearing Test (Audiometry):

    • Purpose: Assesses hearing ability.
    • Referral: Can be done by an audiologist.
    • Potential Issues: Hearing loss.
    • Specialists: Audiologists.
    • Coverage: May be partially covered.
    • Ideal Age/Gender: Adults, especially over 50, or earlier if experiencing hearing problems.

Dental Health:

17. Dental Exam/Checkup:
    • Purpose: Checks for cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems.
    • Referral: Direct appointment with a dentist.
    • Potential Issues: Cavities, gum disease, oral cancer
    • Specialists: Dentists, dental hygienists.
    • Coverage: May be partially covered by dental insurance or national health services.
    • Ideal Age/Gender: All ages, every 6 months.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs/STDs):

18. Chlamydia Test:

    • Purpose: Detects Chlamydia trachomatis infection.
    • Referral: Usually requires a doctor’s referral or can be obtained at sexual health clinics. Some at-home tests are available.
    • Potential Issues: Chlamydia infection, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women.
    • Specialists: GPs, gynecologists, urologists, sexual health specialists.
    • Coverage: Usually covered.
    • Ideal Age/Gender: Sexually active individuals, especially under 25, annually.

18. Gonorrhea Test:

    • Purpose: Detects Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection.
    • Referral: Similar to Chlamydia testing.
    • Potential Issues: Gonorrhea infection, PID in women.
    • Specialists: Same as Chlamydia.
    • Coverage: Usually covered.
    • Ideal Age/Gender: Same as Chlamydia.

18. HIV Test:

    • Purpose: Detects human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
    • Referral: Available through doctors, sexual health clinics, and sometimes at-home tests.
    • Potential Issues: HIV infection/AIDS.
    • Specialists: Infectious disease specialists, GPs.
    • Coverage: Usually covered.
    • Ideal Age/Gender: All sexually active individuals, at least once, more frequently with risk factors.

18. Syphilis Test:

    • Purpose: Detects Treponema pallidum infection.
    • Referral: Usually requires a doctor’s referral.
    • Potential Issues: Syphilis infection.
    • Specialists: Same as Chlamydia.
    • Coverage: Usually covered.
    • Ideal Age/Gender: Same as Chlamydia.

19. Herpes Test (HSV):

    • Purpose: Detects herpes simplex virus (HSV) types 1 and 2.
    • Referral: Usually requires a doctor’s referral.
    • Potential Issues: Genital herpes, oral herpes.
    • Specialists: Same as Chlamydia.
    • Coverage: May be covered depending on symptoms.
    • Ideal Age/Gender: Individuals with symptoms or risk factors.

Mental Health and Cognitive Function:

23. Mental Health Screening/Assessment:

    • Purpose: Assesses mood, anxiety, and other mental health concerns using questionnaires and interviews.
    • Referral: Can be done by a GP, psychologist, or psychiatrist.
    • Potential Issues: Depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, bipolar disorder.
    • Specialists: Psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists.
    • Coverage: May be partially covered.
    • Ideal Age/Gender: All ages, as needed.

23. Cognitive Function Test:

    • Purpose: Evaluates memory, attention, and other cognitive abilities.
    • Referral: Usually requires a doctor’s referral or can be done by a neuropsychologist.
    • Potential Issues: Cognitive decline, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease.
    • Specialists: Neurologists, neuropsychologists.
    • Coverage: May be covered if medically necessary.
    • Ideal Age/Gender: Older adults or those with concerns about cognitive changes.

Nutrition and Metabolism:

25. Food Intolerance/Sensitivity Testing:

    • Purpose: Identifies potential food sensitivities or intolerances (e.g., lactose, gluten).
    • Referral: Can be done by allergists or through some direct-to-consumer tests.
    • Potential Issues: Digestive problems, skin issues, other symptoms related to food sensitivities.
    • Specialists: Allergists, gastroenterologists, dietitians.
    • Coverage: May not be covered by insurance.
    • Ideal Age/Gender: Individuals with suspected food sensitivities.

25. Vitamin and Mineral Level Testing:

    • Purpose: Measures levels of specific vitamins and minerals in the blood.
    • Referral: Usually requires a doctor’s referral or can be obtained through some direct-to-consumer tests.
    • Potential Issues: Vitamin or mineral deficiencies or excesses.
    • Specialists: GPs, nutritionists.
    • Coverage: May be covered if medically necessary.
    • Ideal Age/Gender: Individuals with suspected deficiencies or specific health concerns.

Other Tests and Scans:

27. Allergy Testing (Skin Prick or Blood Test):

    • Purpose: Identifies allergies to various substances (e.g., pollen, dust mites, food).
    • Referral: Can be done by allergists.
    • Potential Issues: Allergies, asthma, eczema.
    • Specialists: Allergists.
    • Coverage: Usually covered.
    • Ideal Age/Gender: All ages, if allergies are suspected.

27. Thyroid Function Tests:

    • Purpose: Measures thyroid hormone levels (TSH, T3, T4).
    • Referral: Usually requires a doctor’s referral.
    • Potential Issues: Hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism.
    • Specialists: Endocrinologists, GPs.
    • Coverage: Usually covered.
    • Ideal Age/Gender: Adults, especially women, as recommended by a doctor.

27. Liver Function Tests (LFTs):

    • Purpose: Assesses liver health by measuring liver enzymes and other substances in the blood.
    • Referral: Usually requires a doctor’s referral.
    • Potential Issues: Liver disease, hepatitis.
    • Specialists: Hepatologists, gastroenterologists, GPs.
    • Coverage: Usually covered.
    • Ideal Age/Gender: As recommended by a doctor.

27. Kidney Function Tests:

    • Purpose: Assesses kidney health by measuring creatinine, eGFR, and other substances in the blood.
    • Referral: Usually requires a doctor’s referral.
    • Potential Issues: Kidney disease.
    • Specialists: Nephrologists, GPs.
    • Coverage: Usually covered.
    • Ideal Age/Gender: As recommended by a doctor.

27. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging):

    • Purpose: Detailed images of organs and tissues.
    • Referral: Requires a doctor’s referral.
    • Potential Issues: Wide range of conditions depending on the body part scanned.
    • Specialists: Radiologists, specialists relevant to the area being scanned.
    • Coverage: Usually covered if medically necessary.
    • Ideal Age/Gender: As recommended by a doctor.

27. X-Ray:

    • Purpose: Images of bones and some organs.
    • Referral: Usually requires a doctor’s referral.
    • Potential Issues: Fractures, pneumonia, other conditions.
    • Specialists: Radiologists, specialists relevant to the area being X-rayed.
    • Coverage: Usually covered.
    • Ideal Age/Gender: As recommended by a doctor.

27. Ultrasound:

    • Purpose: Uses sound waves to create images of organs and tissues.
    • Referral: Usually requires a doctor’s referral.
    • Potential Issues: Wide range of conditions depending on the body part scanned.
    • Specialists: Radiologists, specialists relevant to the area being scanned.
    • Coverage: Usually covered if medically necessary.
    • Ideal Age/Gender: As recommended by a doctor.

27. Stool Test (Fecal Occult Blood Test or FIT):

    • Purpose: Screens for blood in the stool, which can be a sign of colon cancer or other digestive issues.
    • Referral: Often part of a routine checkup or can be requested by a doctor.
    • Potential Issues: Colon cancer, polyps, other digestive conditions.
    • Specialists: Gastroenterologists, GPs.
    • Coverage: Usually covered.
    • Ideal Age/Gender: Adults over 45-50, annually.

27. Body Composition Analysis:
    • Purpose: Measures body fat percentage, muscle mass, bone density (sometimes), and other body metrics.
    • Referral: Often available at gyms, wellness centers, or through some healthcare providers. Some at-home scales provide estimates.
    • Potential Issues: Obesity, low muscle mass, risk of metabolic disorders.
    • Specialists: Nutritionists, personal trainers, sometimes endocrinologists.
    • Coverage: Usually not covered by standard health insurance, may be included in some wellness programs.
    • Ideal Age/Gender: All adults interested in fitness and health monitoring. Frequency depends on individual goals.