Medical Preventive Tests

Today I read a column on health screening tests that made me go "hmmm". To do or not to do? This is quite a controversial issue for patients and doctors. Many doctors fail to recommend screenings even if you are at risk for certain things. Screenings commonly occur after something has happened. Just because your doctor does not recommend a screening test does not mean you may not need it.

Screening colonoscopy tests and mammograms are recommended routinely for those without risk factors as well as for those with risk factors. Knowing when to get these tests may save your life. Why wait for symptoms to occur or for something medically devastating to happen? This is when it is usually paid for by your insurance. If a preventive screening test is not covered, or if your doctor does not recommend it may not be a reliable indicator.

When I think about the lives I have saved by medical preventive screening, I can positively say it is worth it. Yes, false positives and incidentalomas do occur with necessary as well as preventive testing. Abnormal findings may also be followed without unnecessary, risky surgeries or procedures depending on what is found. I have heard too many doctors express the unnecessary risks (especially with new tests) as a reason for not doing a test versus the benefit of finding something that can be "cured" with preventive screening. There should be more concern about early disease prevention and detection. I assure you that your doctors would do this for themselves. You deserve the best, too.

Educate yourself about medical prevention screening tests. Waiting for your doctor to recommend them or for your insurance to cover them may be hazardous to your health. Sometimes you may have to pay. Your car insurance does not cover car maintenance, but you pay to have auto checkups and for insurance. Why not do the same for your body? Paying a little now may save you and your money in the long term. After all, true wealth is great health.

Incidentaloma Update

It has been over one month since my thyroid ultrasound was performed. After two weeks I was still waiting to hear from my primary care doctor. I called the diagnostic testing center and the results were faxed to me within five minutes. I faxed copies to the endocrinology specialist that same day. I am still waiting to hear from both doctors about my abnormal test which appears to be consistent with a goiter.

Again, I must emphasize that one must not assume tests are normal when your doctors do not contact you. It is best for you to follow up for yourself.