[Check-up: general aspects]

A Check-up is characterized as a medical examination and a counselling of asymptomatic persons. The aim of such a Check-up is the identification of modifiable risk factors for different illnesses and/or the detection of a treatable, latent disease. The value and the cost-effectiveness of regular Check-up examinations can be assessed in scientific enquiries. However, the question whether regular Check-up examinations are or are not of value from an individual or societal point of view cannot be answered by the results of evaluative studies alone. This question should be discussed between an individual person and a physician or, in general, on a societal level. In addition, in this paper we discuss various tests recommended for a patient who requires a Check-up examination.