I just think if nothing is wrong, why go.
Yes, that's exactly the point. Without getting periodic lab reports, you have no idea whether something might be wrong or not. Noticeable symptoms are often the last thing to occur.
I just think if nothing is wrong, why go.
At age 70 I want to get an annual physical and blood work every year but I have to fight Medicare to get them paid and I sometimes end up paying for them out of pocket.
What sort of Medicare plan are you on?
I had to jump through hoops to get doctor to resubmit with a different code
Really, 70+ too and my annual blood work cost is zero, no problems, ever. Even when I needed extra blood work done in the same year, it's been covered at 100%At age 70 I want to get an annual physical and blood work every year but I have to fight Medicare to get them paid and I sometimes end up paying for them out of pocket.
Traditional Medicare and G Supplement through United Health Care. Traditional Medicare will only pay for the annual wellness visit which is worthless--not a real physical at all. For blood work, Medicare eventually paid but I had to jump through hoops to get doctor to resubmit with a different code because Medicare said I should not get annual cholesterol blood work paid since I had no health problems. Ironically it seems Medicare does not want to pay if you are too healthy (even though I am age 70).
At age 70 I want to get an annual physical and blood work every year but I have to fight Medicare to get them paid and I sometimes end up paying for them out of pocket.
Original medicare (Part B) does not cover blood work as part of an annual physical but they do cover blood work that is related to a condition that needs to be monitored/treated. I'm assuming some medicare supplements do cover physicals/blood work similar to my federal health plan which is now secondary. Just started medicare this year but so far my health plan has covered all costs that medicare did not (even medicare deductibles).
One more thing in favor if having a regular doctor visit: Accidents.
I'm in my late 50's (3 years from FIRE) and other than my regular dental and eye exams I seldom go to any doctor. It's not out of fear or anything. I just think if nothing is wrong, why go. Went to my primary care physician today because I had a mole removed. (I do go if I notice changes in what is normal for me.) He asked when was my last physical. It's been well over a decade. And I maybe see the doc once every two years to get antibiotics for a sinus infection or some such thing or for, say, emergencies that would require stitches.
I do understand sometimes things will be caught early that can be taken care of before they become larger, untreatable issues. But I'm in generally good health. My cholesterol runs just a little high (genetics) and as long as I limit my coffee intake my blood pressure stays within an acceptable range. No family history of cancers or major other issues, slightly overweight according to charts (205lbs @ 6'1") and I'm much more active at my age than my parents (both still living in their 80s') were at this age.
So, are annual physicals really necessary?
For most health insurance, an annual checkup is free.
How do you monitor your cholesterol and other blood results if you don't get a yearly checkup? I guess you monitor your blood pressure yourself?
I don't understand why anyone would skip it.
Agree, it's not that hard . I could see going every other year if you wanted. I just feel it's worth the effort to go.
Thats my problem. I have traditional Medicare with a regular G supplement, never was a federal employee ( I had my own business). The supplement only pays if Medicare pays. Fortunately I am a very healthy 70 year old and when I request blood work my doctor cannot figure out a way to get Medicare to pay for it--they cannot hook it onto a condition that would pay for it because I have no condition.
I think they would pay for a blood sugar and cholesterol since they are recommended screening but not for the other random tests that doctors do. People like getting blood tests and don't mind urine tests but it seems to me that many were more reluctant to do the more useful tests like colon cancer screening.