Are Annual Physicals Worth it?

I find it ironic that most of the enlightening information that comes out is usually from the British Journal of Medicine. A recent long term study showed that routine physicals of which the vast majority of turn up nothing are a huge waste of money. Of course you wouldn't share that sentiment if you were the one that had that cancer caught early or nipped the oncoming diabetes with a simple blood test. But the fact remains almost all of these exams turn up nothing and even miss the real issues that are going on. Let's face it. Who takes their car to the shop just to make sure it is running well. I can see this conversation.

You- I'd like to have my car checked out. Mechanic- Why? You- I just want to make sure that it is in good shape. Mechanic- Ok that will cost you $500. You- $500? For what? Mechanic- You tell me.

There is overwhelming evidence that screenings first of all do not detect what you may have that is harmful other than what a routine blood test, skin, breast or blood test will find. Secondly those dread diseases that you may have go undiagnosed year in and year out even with such exams because to find most diseases you have to be LOOKING for it. So Billions of dollars each year go out the door for exams that turn up nothing but make us feel like we are in good health weather we are or not. Lastly most serious diseases are found when someone feels bad enough to schedule an appointment with their doctor and the doctor "looks" for what they think is going on.

So if your health plan will pay 100% for a routine physical (which all ACA plans do) then get one if you wish...you'ave already paid for it. But if you miss a year, there's a good chance you won't be any worse off for it:-)