It may seem unnecessary to book a health assessment if you’re not sick but don’t underestimate the importance and value of a comprehensive health assessment. A health assessment, or physical exam, is an opportunity for your healthcare professional to check on any medical-related issues and take preventative measures to reduce your risk of developing certain types of diseases or conditions. It could also save your life if you are diagnosed with a serious health complication. Discover what is a comprehensive health assessment as Bloom and Momentum Health4Me take a closer look at this medical procedure.

What is a comprehensive health assessment?

A health assessment is a measurement tool designed to evaluate a patient’s complete health. The assessment can check for health issues, note age-related milestone events and set health goals. The assessment is achieved by conducting a physical examination and asking a set of questions. The health assessment can be undertaken by a registered nurse or your local general practitioner. There are usually screening tests taken to help make the assessment as accurate as possible. All the results are kept on record that so these can be evaluated and monitored until your next assessment. A comprehensive health assessment can be conducted with patients of all ages, especially if you’re concerned about a particular aspect of your health. It is recommended that you have regular health checks after the age of 40.

What can you expect during your health assessment?

There are three steps involved, which include;

• A general health survey. During the survey, the healthcare practitioner will gather certain medical information from the patient. It’s during this time that they may capture your height, weight and age.
• Assessment of one’s medical history. During this part of the assessment, the healthcare practitioner will gather information about illnesses or conditions that are prevalent in your family or that you have experienced in the past. This could also include gathering information relating to surgical procedures and medication. Family medical history is an important topic because it lets the healthcare practitioner know what sort of health issues you can be at risk for, like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes or certain types of cancer.
• The head-to-toe physical exam. During this part of the assessment, the healthcare practitioner will inspect the patient’s body and vital signs. It begins by measuring heart rate, and blood pressure, taking one’s temperature and checking one’s respiratory rate. Once the basics have been attended to, the physical is conducted, which covers a review of body systems, including but not limited to: skin, muscles joints, ears, eyes, nose, throat, respiratory function, cardiac-pulmonary system and reproductive system.

Why is a comprehensive health assessment important?

A thorough health assessment helps evaluate one’s overall health. That means the healthcare practitioner can accurately ascertain whether there are any areas of concern. If there are any alerts, they will recommend further screening tests or diagnostic tests, in order to gain further insight and perhaps to get a diagnosis, which can start a care or treatment plan.

What should you do before a comprehensive healthcare assessment?

It’s recommended that you get ready for a health assessment by doing the following:

• Have the preliminary tests done prior to the assessment. So, if you need a mammogram, for instance, or a blood test, it is advisable to have this done prior to the assessment so the healthcare practitioner can evaluate the results.
• It’s easy to forget important details. That’s why it’s advisable to catalogue both your medical history and your family’s medical history. Items to include are things like chronic medication, vaccinations, surgeries, past illnesses and medical diagnoses.
• Keep an accurate and detailed list of any medication you take. It may even be worthwhile to bring your medication supply to their assessment.
• Consider any questions you may have and write these down so you can ask the healthcare practitioner during the assessment.

Next steps: what happens after the healthcare assessment?

Once you’ve completed the assessment, you may return to your GP’s office or local clinic to receive the after-visit summary and results. This is also your opportunity to ask any questions or clarify any concerns you may have about the results. Together with your healthcare practitioner, you can set about doing some of the following:

• Receive guidance and advice about any health risks
• Obtain tips about recommended lifestyle changes, like reducing your sugar intake or starting an exercise programme
• Set specific and measurable health goals and expectations
• Receive new medical prescriptions
• Get a referral to a specialist, if necessary
• Make a date for your next appointment

How often should you have a comprehensive health assessment?

Regardless of whether you’re in good physical health, it’s recommended that you get a comprehensive health assessment every two to three years when you’re in your twenties, thirties and forties. However, it’s advisable to do an assessment every year from the age of fifty. You should also get regular medical screening tests, subject to your age, gender and risk profile. Some of these types of tests include bone density tests, mammograms or prostate exams, and ECGs.

Health assessment benefits with Health4Me

All Health4Me members on Gold, Silver or Bronze plans are entitled to an annual health assessment conducted at a participating pharmacy clinic. This assessment relates quite specifically to heart health and includes a blood pressure check, cholesterol and blood sugar finger prick test; and a weight measurement test. It’s advisable to have the tests in order to find out if you need to make any lifestyle adjustments, like adopting a regular exercise routine, to decrease your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Prioritise your health with a comprehensive health assessment

What is a comprehensive health assessment, you might ask? It’s the start of healthy living. At Bloom, we’re committed to good health, which is why we encourage our members to make smart choices and decisions when it comes to combating diseases and infections. We suggest you start taking care of your health by making an appointment for a full health assessment. Get in touch with one of our expert broker consultants for a free quote and sign-up for health insurance for yourself and your family.

Medical Content Disclaimer

You understand and acknowledge that all users of the Bloom website are responsible for their own medical care, treatment, and oversight. All content provided on the website, is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Neither is it intended to be a substitute for an independent professional medical opinion, judgement, diagnosis or treatment.