title: The periodic health examination in a family practice center: use, content, and results.
abstract: Records of 176 patients coming to a family practice center for complete physical examinations were reviewed to learn about the use, content and results of such examinations. The patients provided new or updated histories and were given full physical examinations. Blood pressures, breast, and rectal examinations were performed on at least 70 percent of the patients. Stool blood checks and mammograms were performed on 40 percent or less of the patients. Urinalyses, blood counts, and multichannel chemistry tests were performed as routine procedures for about one-half the patients. Most abnormalities found on these tests appeared relatively minimal; only about one-fourth of the abnormal results were repeated or commented upon in the record. Few diagnoses or changes in therapy resulted from routine laboratory testing. These studies should be used to screen only for preventable or treatable conditions, or to evaluate specific problems noted on history or physical examination.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods; D008487:Medical History Taking; D008875:Middle Aged; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods*