Everyone knows that regular physical exams are important to maintain one’s health. But if you’re a busy executive, it might be hard to fit a trip to the doctor into your crammed schedule.
That’s why a growing number of companies are taking steps to protect their top talent – and ultimately their bottom line – by offering executive physicals.
These aren’t your usual in-and-out checkups focused on treating symptoms. Instead, executive physicals have a broader scope, taking preventive measures to support the long-term wellness and productivity of a company’s key leaders.
The purpose of an executive physical is to ensure that staff or management integral to the company are in good health and available for work. Taking this proactive approach can help a company ensure continuity and retention across the most critical aspects of its business.
The mother of all physical exams
Besides the usual checklist of medical assessments, an executive physical often will involve extensive blood work, a full battery of tests, and in-depth examinations for heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis, and other chronic conditions. These services often include:
- A thorough examination by an internal medicine specialist that focuses on disease prevention and/or women’s health.
- Wide-ranging laboratory testing that include blood counts, cholesterol screening, urinalysis, and chemistry panels that assess organ function.
- Cardiovascular evaluation using electrocardiogram (ECG), CT scan, and other related tests depending on your doctor’s recommendation.
- Comprehensive eye examinations and hearing tests.
- Body composition and pulmonary function testing.
- Colonoscopy done every five to 10 years, depending on your history.
- Personalized nutritional counseling.
- A complete written report of the evaluation for you and your physician, upon request.
In addition, female executives may undergo pelvic examination and a Pap smear, as well as a mammogram and osteoporosis screening if they are over 40 years of age. Male executives will have prostate and testicular examinations to address their health concerns.
Most executive physicals take one to two days, but some can last longer depending on the number of tests that need to be performed and by whom, or if certain specialists are available locally. Oftentimes, follow-ups are requested; some of these can be done over the phone or via telemedicine; others must be done in person.
Generally, the employer covers the costs of an executive physical, not the employee or insurance provider. Despite the expense, executive physicals can provide priceless peace of mind for both employee and company.
Your source for advanced diagnostics
SC Internal Medicine Associates and Rehabilitation offers comprehensive executive physicals that use advanced diagnostic procedures to evaluate current and potential health risks. The results of these tests enable physicians to design aggressive, personalized health plans for their patients. To find out if you or your company could benefit from executive physicals, call SC Internal Medicine Associates and Rehabilitation at (803) 749-1111, or request an appointment online.
