title: [Check-up studies at an internal medicine polyclinic: reasons, diagnostic tests, results and therapeutic consequences].
abstract: Data of an investigation on initial motives for and outcome of so-called diagnostic check-ups are presented. Over a period of about one year a total of 82 persons applying for such a check-up have been investigated. Concrete reasons for this step were not given initially, however, elucidated in 87% of cases after special interrogation. Mostly fear of carcinoma or HIV-infection because of unspecific symptoms or diseases of family members or friends was reported. Clinical status and additionally arranged investigations (laboratory and others) revealed as a rule no further relevant pathological findings, thus, acting mainly to exclude rather than prove a disease. If motives for such check-ups could be elucidated in time, a more focussed, cost-effective investigation could be initiated, with more benefit for the patient and higher satisfaction for the physician. Such a screening consultation might represent furthermore a good opportunity to communicate preventive aspects to the patient.
authors.affiliation: Departement für Innere Medizin, Medizinische Poliklinik, Zürich.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Osterwalder
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Steurer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities / Q000191:economics; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003955:Diagnostic Tests, Routine / Q000191:economics*; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000191:economics / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007388:Internal Medicine / Q000191:economics; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009098:Multiphasic Screening / Q000191:economics*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000191:economics / Q000517:prevention & control; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000191:economics*; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000191:economics*; D013557:Switzerland