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You are here : Healthopedia.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Special Topics > Preventive Health Exam
      Category : Health Centers > Wellness and Lifestyle

Preventive Health Exam


A preventive health examination, or exam, is a scheduled visit with the healthcare provider. It is focused on detecting and preventing health problems. The exam will include a medical history and a physical exam. The provider may also order blood tests, urine tests, and other diagnostic procedures.

What is the information for this topic?

Infants younger than 1 year old have frequent preventive health exams, following a schedule for well-baby visits. Healthy individuals of other age groups should follow the provider's recommendations for scheduling exams. People over the age of 65 years, for example, may have more frequent exams.

People with certain diseases and conditions may also need more frequent exams. Some examples of these disorders include:

  • coronary artery disease or other heart disease
  • diabetes
  • high blood pressure
  • high cholesterol levels in the blood
  • a history of cancer
  • A preventive health exam generally includes the following components:

  • blood pressure check
  • counseling about health risks and a healthy lifestyle
  • temperature, pulse, and respiration checks
  • weight and height
  • Other components may be included, depending on the person's sex, age, and health status. Some examples of these include:

  • blood glucose test
  • breast exam
  • cholesterol test
  • eye exam
  • hearing tests
  • pelvic exam and Pap smear
  • prostate exam
  • Author: James Broomfield, MD
    Reviewer: Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN
    Date Reviewed: 05/04/01









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    Page Last Updated: 6th April, 2009