What is a “Check-Up”?
A “Check-Up” is a maintenance medical visit that is appropriate for all patients, but especially those who have no specific symptoms or active medical complaints. The goal of this visit is to maximize your health and quality of life by preventing disease and by detecting early diseases before they cause serious or permanent harm. Our Check-Up unit tailors patient care based on state-of-the-art preventative medicine guidelines.
We recommend that our patients undergo a routine Check-Up at least once a year.
Why Should a Check-Up Should Be Done?
The primary goal of the Check-Up visit is disease prevention. Preventing disease is more effective then treating disease that has already occurred. For example, vaccinations can stop diseases before they spread to yourself and your loved ones. Preventative life style measures can reduce your risks of getting skin cancer or lung cancer. Our expert physicians are up-to-date on the latest trends and proven methods in disease prevention.
The secondary goal of the Check-Up visit is early detection of treatable disease. Some diseases can damage your body irreversibly before you even know about them. If these diseases were detected earlier, for example during a Check-Up visit, those patients would live longer and healthier lives. Our expert physicians are trained to detect conditions such as thyroid or insulin metabolic disorders, dangerous blood pressure disorders, and cholesterol disorders to prevent permanent damage to your body and to protect you from life-changing medical events like heart attacks and strokes.
At American Hospital, our patients come from Turkey and internationally. We know that worldwide, cardiovascular disease and cancer are the primary serious medical conditions facing the population. Increases in office-based work combined with dietary and lifestyle changes are rapidly increasing rates of obesity which affect quality of life and can lead to serious cardiovascular conditions such as heart attack and stroke. Regular visits to our Check-Up unit are the best way to be sure that you are doing everything possible to live a healthy and happy life.
>> The secondary goal of the Check-Up visit is early detection of treatable disease.
Where Should Check-Ups Be Performed?
At American Hospital, we have an entire unit of the medical center dedicated to Check-Ups. This is an ideal set-up because it allows us to begin each visit with a dedicated doctor evaluation by a physician who focuses on preventative medicine. Further laboratory tests, imaging tests, or consultations to one of our subspecialist doctors may be obtained as needed. Based on the results, your physician will tailor your particular healthcare needs.
What Can I Expect During My Check-Up at the Vehbi Koç Foundation Health System?
Your appointment can be scheduled for your convenience. If it is expected that you will need bloodwork with fasting conditions, then you may prefer to schedule your appointment in the morning.
Our system is streamlined to minimize your wait, as many of our patients come during the work-day. We provide a locker to safely store your items as well as your clothes - we provide hospital gowns that facilitate your medical care during the visit. Our dedicated patient representatives will guide you through the initial steps:
- Our caring nurses will measure your weight, height, blood pressure and heart rate. If needed, body fluid samples such as blood samples may be obtained.
- Expert physicians will interview you and perform aphysical examination tailored to your needs.
- For rapid turnaround time, we have ultrasound capabilities built directly into the clinic. If visits to other parts of the hospital are needed for tests or consultations, your patient representative will guide you to the necessary areas.
While you are waiting for your test results, we have a waiting area where you can enjoy refreshments and food. Tests performed in the morning typically have results by noon. Your physician will review these results with you at a time that is convenient for your schedule. For continuity of care, you may prefer to keep the same doctor for all of your Check-Up visits.
Some items in the Main Check-Up panel are genderspecific or age-specific. Your Check-Up doctor can explain the reasoning for the evaluations that you may undergo.
>> The goal of this visit is to maximize your health and quality of life by preventing disease and by detecting early diseases before they cause serious or permanent harm. Our Check-Up unit tailors patient care based on state-of-the-art preventative medicine guidelines.
We recommend that our patients undergo a routine Check-Up at least once a year.
Differences According to Age and Gender
Main Check-Up Program Contents
Additional Panels
Heart disease is a major health concern worldwide. Obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol disorders, and smoking are all modifiable or preventable risk factors. Male patients, particularly those with a family history of heart attacks, are especially at risk.
This panel is designed for patients who chose to smoke in order to detect dangerous lung conditions that are caused by smoking. This include cigarettes, cigars, or other tobacco products. Patients who smoke may also need to undergo the Coronary Diseases Panel (see above) because smoking can increase the risk of heart disease.
Women after menopause are most in need of the Bone Health Panel, though other patients of both genders may need this panel at some point in their lives. A family history of osteoporosis and age greater than 65 are other indications that this panel may be needed.
Patients with a family history of thyroid disorders may benefit most from this panel. Many times thyroid conditions may also be considered after the physical examination.
Patients who are concerned of sexually transmitted diseases may benefit most from these tests.
>> Regular visits to our Check-Up unit are the best way to be sure that you are doing everything possible to live a healthy and happy life.
Patients who report snoring, morning tiredness and daytime tiredness may benefit from this panel.
Advanced Health Check-Up
This special check-up program has been designed for individuals older than 45 who wish to go through a detailed evaluation. Extended Check-up is not suitable for individuals below the age of 45. In accordance with specific needs, extending the scope of Basic Check-up with additional panels is recommended.
You choose your physician
All of our physicians are experts in preventative medicine as reflected in their curricula vitae. Please refer to our internet webpage to choose which physician you would like to schedule an appointment with.
If there is a chance you may be pregnant, please inform us!
Certain tests may not be safe in patients who are pregnant.
Before you come for your Check-Up visit:
- Certain blood tests are most accurate under fasting conditions, so please fast for 10-12 hours prior to your visit.
- You can drink water during this time but please avoid all other food and liquids.
- If you are going to be performing a cardiovascular stress test, please bring a change of clothing that will accommodate exercise and sweating.