50+ Lifestyles

PUBLISHER’S CORNER

By Eloise Graham

When Did February Become the Annual Check-Up Month?

I don’t know about you, but my February calendar is suddenly filling up with medical, dental, audiology, optical, physical therapy or wellness appointments. February, the shortest month of the year, and my calendar is getting full – and not necessarily with fun things to do.

I guess the first thing I want to know is, when did the annual physical become the Medicare wellness check-up? The physical used to consist of blood pressure check, temperature taking, listening to heart and lungs, calculating oxygen levels, EKG, reflex testing, sight, hearing and mobility testing. There were usually some exams that required wearing a gown so that probing and prodding could be done, looking for lumps and checking lymph glands. Blood tests and imagery testing were ordered. Then discussion with the doctor. The exam itself usually lasted about an hour. Now the wellness check-up consists of blood pressure check, listening to heart and lungs, reviewing medication list and answering a few generic questions. Then making an appointment for the next year. Check-up lasts 10 to 15 minutes.

I know insurance companies have the standard rule that 366 or more days must separate annual exams. Too often, that 366th day falls on a weekend or holiday, so it is extended out farther. Then there might be other scheduling obstacles because of the doctor’s schedules.

So this year, my scheduled appointments created the perfect storm and all fell in February. So if you want to find me, look in the nearest waiting room. I will probably be there.