PHCC advisory on preparing for annual health check

The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) has provided advice on how often one should see the doctor and how to prepare for the annual health check."The annual health check will give you an overview of your current health, help identify any future health risks, and offer you practical ways to get healthier and fitter. It’s a great opportunity to refocus your attention on prevention and screening to ensure a healthy lifestyle,” PHCC said in the advisory.

• How often should I see my family physician?

Routine check-ups with your family physician are generally recommended to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and the regularity of routine check-ups may be based on your age, risk factors and current health status. PHCC recommends at least once a year even if you are in good health.If you are a patient with a chronic disease, you should be seeing your doctor more frequently, regardless of your age. Your family physician will be the one to determine the frequency of your visits depending on your results and risk factors.PHCC offers annual health checks, a preventative check that is carried out to detect and recognise any health issues early, and identifying and reducing any risks that may lead to disease.

• What is an annual health check?

The PHCC annual health check is a general health check designed to assess a patient for preventative diseases conditions that may arise in the future.

• What happens at an annual health check-up?

The annual health check takes place in two appointments. The initial appointment is delivered using a simple questionnaire, and you will be able to raise any questions you may have and discuss your current health status. The team will also complete necessary lab tests as well as measurements to support the assessment process.During the second – and follow-up – appointment, your family physician will discuss your lab results and further discuss any questions or concerns you may have.Your family physician will then advise you on the best measures you can take to maintain good health and also discuss any treatment plans if they are necessary for you based on your results.

• How can I prepare for my annual health check?

Accordingly for your appointment date, it is encouraged that you think about how you have been feeling recently. You could prepare details of your lifestyle, including eating habits, exercise routine, sleeping patterns as well as information about your family health history.

• What are some of the benefits of an annual health check?

- Recognising potential health risks early for better health outcomes.- Encouragement for positive lifestyle changes.- Identifying genetic risk elements.- Specific health examinations, such as those done for certain cancers.- Patients feel empowered and best equipped to maintain or enhance their health.Currently, PHCC operates 30 primary healthcare centres. Registered Qatari patients are eligible for the annual health checks as well as non-Qataris according to the approved criteria. For all categories, patients aged under 18, pregnant women, those with known non-communicable diseases, and unregistered individuals are excluded.