Periodic medical examinations; disease detection and health promotion

The medical examination of persons who have no medical complaints is a procedure that has different purposes than the traditional diagnostic examination. These include not only the detection of incipient disease but the evaluation of the adjustment of the individual to his environment and an assessment of his personal hygiene. It should be concluded by a discussion of what has been found, and by positive, persuasive advice and education which will lead to better health. Interest in such work and competence for it are not found in every physician. Physicians who do not want to acquire such competences should recognize the fact and refer such work to others who are prepared to cope with it. Inept, incomplete health examinations disappoint the patient and make the physician uncomfortable; thorough, constructive examination and counseling is satisfying and profitable to both.