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Medical Checkups

9 October 2024

People of all ages should get certain medical tests done regularly to stay healthy and find health problems early. For older adults, doctors recommend these important tests:

  • Dental check-up to look for gum disease, cavities, and mouth sores
  • Hearing test to see if hearing aids or rehabilitation are needed
  • Eye exam to check for cataract, growths, and other eye problems
  • Skin check to spot problematic moles and signs of melanoma
  • Blood lipid test to see if cholesterol and triglyceride levels are too high, which can cause heart and blood vessels diseases
  • Stool test to detect early colon cancer
  • Blood pressure check to screen for high blood pressure that can cause heart problems
  • Mammogram to find breast cancer
  • Bone density scan to check for weak, thinning bones (osteoporosis)

Getting these tests done routinely allows older adults to address any health issues found early. This helps maintain quality of life.

Which regular medical checkups should be performed in older age and are the checkups subsidized? We have gathered some information about the most significant checkups, their recommended frequency, and eligibility terms.

What is checked

In a routine examination the dentist will check for signs of tooth decay or any gum disease.
Additionally, the dentist will check for signs of soft tissue lesions. This examination assists in early detection of diseases, such as mouth cancer.

How is the examination performed

The examination is performed by a doctor or a dentist and by X-rays.

When is the examination performed

At least once a year. In case of individual risk factors, the dentist may recommend more frequent examinations.

Who funds the examinations

From the age of 72 and over you will be eligible to preventive, preservative, and restorative dental examinations, with low copayment or for free, as part of the healthcare services basket through the HMOs (Kupot Cholim).

More information about dental examinations for older adults

What is checked

Hearing loss is a common phenomenon among elderly people, and it significantly impacts a person’s quality of life. A hearing test evaluates a person’s sense of hearing and the need for adjusting a hearing aid or the necessity for a restorative hearing treatment.

How is the test performed

The initial examination is performed by the family physician. If necessary, you will be referred to an examination by an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor for further consultation.
An ENT doctor will thoroughly check your ears and treat certain problems instantly. If necessary, you will be referred to a hearing center, where you will be examined by a speech therapist. The examination is painless.

When is the test performed

As required.

Who funds the test

A diagnostic hearing test is part of the healthcare services basket through the HMOs (Kupot Cholim).

Information about funding hearing aids

What is checked

Eye tests are performed to detect early signs of eye diseases which are relatively prevalent among elderly people, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and tumors (as opposed to vision tests for adjusting glasses).

How is the test performed

The test is noninvasive and can be manual or computerized.

When is the test performed

Every two years.

Who funds the test

Diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of eye diseases are part of the healthcare services basket through the HMOs (Kupot Cholim).

What is checked

Skin examination is designed to detect suspicious moles and beauty spots, which may be indicators of skin melanoma.

How is the test performed

The dermatologist examines the body with a dermatoscope. The examination is noninvasive and painless.

When is the test performed

Once a year. If you are in a high-risk group – twice a year or according to the doctor’s or the dermatologist’s orders.

Who funds the test

A dermatologist’s visit and checkup are part of the healthcare services basket through the HMOs (Kupot Cholim). The visit requires a copayment.

It is important to point out: if you detect a change in a mole/moles contact your dermatologist immediately and do not wait for the routine checkup.

What is checked

Levels of cholesterol and blood fats (triglycerides). High levels of blood fat may cause heart and vascular diseases.

How is the test performed

Blood test – you will need to fast for 12 hours before the test, though drinking water is allowed.
It is important to point out: values exceeding the range of the norm do not necessarily indicate a disease. Therefore, it is essential to consult with the family physician when receiving the test results.

When is the test performed

Once a year until the age of 83. Over the age of 83, consult with your family physician.

Who funds the test

Blood test for lipid profile is a part of the healthcare services basket through the HMOs.

What is checked

Fecal occult blood test is designed to detect cancerous cells or polyps, which may become cancerous, and to diagnose colon cancer. Colon cancer is more prevalent over the age of 50, and early detection improves the potential for a cure.

How is the test performed

Stool test – it is possible to collect your stool sample at home and hand it in at the HMO lab. There is no need for a change in your eating habits or to the regimen of medicines before the test.

When is the test performed

From the age of 50 to 70 – once a year. In the case of a family history of colon cancer, it is recommended to consult with the family physician about the advised test frequency.

Who funds the test

Fecal occult blood test is part of the healthcare services basket through the HMOs.

What is checked

A blood pressure test is designed to detect high blood pressure, which is one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

How is the test performed

By a sphygmomanometer in the HMO clinics or at home.

When is the test performed

Twice a year or more frequently, according to the family physician’s orders.

Who funds the test

Blood pressure test is part of the healthcare services basket of the HMOs.
It is possible to purchase a sphygmomanometer at home subject to copayment.

Further information about high blood pressure

What is checked

Mammography is designed to diagnose breast cancer. A mammography can detect small lesions which cannot be detected by self-examination. An early detection of breast cancer significantly increases the chances for a cure and is lifesaving.

How is the test performed

X-ray of the breast, the examination is noninvasive.

When is the test performed

Every two years above the age of 50, or more frequently if you are in a high-risk group. It is essential to perform a monthly breast self-examination at home and to contact the family physician if there is an abnormal finding, even if it is still not time for the routine check-up.

Who funds the test

Mammography is part of the healthcare services basket of the HMOs for women at the age of 50 – 74, every two years. The test is subject to copayment according to the eligibility to visit the Health Clinics.

What is checked

Bone density test is designed to diagnose Osteoporosis, lack of calcium. This disease weakens the bones and increases the risk of fractures. An early detection can assist in curbing the disease.

How is the test performed

X-ray. The test is noninvasive and painless.

When is the test performed

Every five years over the age of 65.

Who funds the test

The test is subject to copayment according to the eligibility to visit the Health Clinics.

More information on the subject