Is my doctor right to deny me my request to have complete physical examination regularly?

Question

My doctor refused to give me a complete physical examination. I asked about having it regularly, every three years or so, as is recommended for people my age, and she wondered why I was so worried about my health. She told me that if everyone was like me, they’d constantly be doing physical examinations. She also mentioned what vast amounts of money would be spent just for these physicals. She also said that they do not practice giving complete physicals just for preventive reasons. She said that I don’t need a physical examination unless at a time when I turn 50 years of age (which would mean my next physical will be in 27 years), or when I’m signing up for college, when I’m recruited, etc. What she did say, is to come to her regularly so that she would measure my blood pressure, listen to my lungs, and have my blood tested. Should I be looking for another doctor, or perhaps move my insurance elsewhere (in whatever degree this is possible in our health "care" system in Croatia)?

Answer 1

Definitely find another doctor. Most insurance companies will pay for and recommend an annual physical. If this is important to you then you need to be in the care of someone who feels this way too. To be honest, I'm very surprised at your doctor's response. If you were to develop something that went unnoticed then she would be liable for having told you not to seek a physical exam and preventative treatment.

Answer 2

You are supposed to get a physical once a year. In some health situations, you may have to have check-ups more often. Your health insurance should cover these "well visits". Honestly, I would seek a second opinion. Call first and ask what their policy is on physicals. If female, a yearly PAP is necessary. There is a lot a person can do in their 20's and 30's to prevent health problems and on a worse note, cause them. It is important that your Doctor give you this "thumbs up" when you are doing the right thing and tell you if you need to fix a diet or excercise, take a certain medication. You don't know when a health problem could sneek up on you. I learned in nursing school that high blood pressure is called the "silent killer" because people don't know they have it until there is a lot of damage done to your body. So, do me and your sanity a favor, and see another doctor that actually cares if you drop dead tomarrow. I know it's graffic, but sometimes we all need a wake up call. God bless you.

Answer 3

Sounds like your doctor is completely stressed out.It's great that you take such an interest in your health and staying healthy. Not having the vaguest idea on how health care is in Croatia I'd say that just taking a pro active course for your health would be good thing. Keeping a healthy lifestyle and diet plus exercise(sounds like a commercial,lol) is really the best way to go. Plenty of books out there to stay well informed too. Have fun and be safe

Answer 4

I would definitely find another dr. I'm still on the search for a primary care physician to do my annual physicals (yep, the majority of insurance plans cover an annual physical). I'm sorry that you were treated like this. Good job for being concerned about your health and wanting to make sure you stay healthy.

Answer 5

I believe your doctor is right....by checking your blood pressure, lungs, heart and blood regularly, that alone would indicate if there was something seriously wrong. You yourself are the best judge if something is wrong. Generally most people visit the doctor if they are feeling sickly and not getting better or if they have a pain that is not going away. I myself hate going to the doctor and sometimes I skip even the routine checkup.

Answer 6

fire his/her @ss...go to a "real " doctor....over 50 needs more consistant care....remember...even as a patient...you are the customer...good luck