Keeping executives healthy

Find out how an executive physical can help catch problems before they begin . . .

Healthnetwork is an advocate of preventive medicine and executive physicals. Over the years, we have received many questions about these programs. For more depth and clarity on executive physicals, I spoke to Donald D. Hensrud, MD, MPH, who chairs the division of preventive, occupational and aerospace medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.

What are the benefits of the executive physical programs versus the physicals I get locally from my own physician?

There are many excellent primary care providers and the relationship with your primary care provider is extremely important for ongoing management of chronic conditions and new health issues as they arise. Having said that, executive health programs may offer some advantages. Many primary care providers have a limited amount of time to see you and it might be challenging for them to take a comprehensive look at your overall health.

Executive health programs vary, but many offer increased time with the patient to look at all health care issues. In the Mayo Clinic executive health program we evaluate all existing medical problems and investigate any new symptoms. In addition, we perform individual health promotion counseling, and appropriate screening tests are scheduled automatically, making this is a comprehensive evaluation. We know that time is important for busy executives, so we preschedule tests to arrange a very efficient itinerary, accomplishing a lot in just a day or two.

How often do you find something?

Occasionally we find something very serious. And if you’re the person we find that on, it can be vitally important for your health. Just as important, we find various issues that can improve health in virtually everyone, and many of these things may potentially make a large difference in long-term health.

How do you choose which tests I may need?

Testing may vary among executive health programs. For routine screening tests in the Mayo Clinic program, we don’t do the bare minimum tests, nor do we do every possible test (which may only waste money without any likely benefit). We review current guidelines and determine a clinical testing schedule based on what we believe is best for the patient.

How long does it take to get your results?

We see patients at the completion of their evaluation and go over the test results, consultations and recommendations. We also send a letter to the patient with all of this information. In some cases there may be follow-up recommendations that can be completed locally.

What happens when you find something? Do I stay on for more tests?

When we find a medical issue, we try to evaluate it right away with appropriate further tests or consultations. We have a very integrated system for doing that. For less urgent issues, the decision is up to the patient. They may choose to go home for further testing or return for recommended tests.

Susan Locke, MD, is Healthnetwork Foundation’s medical director.

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