In the past, we encouraged our patients to faithfully see us for "a physical" once a year.  As times have changed we have discovered that a complete overhaul once a year is probably not worth the time or the money. To provide a better screening method at a better cost, we have shifted from a focus on routine physicals to that of health maintenance.  Health Maintenance focuses on identifying your individual risks for disease, tracking those factors which put you at risk, and applying scientifically proven techniques to prevent disease.  A health risk assessment is a good way to determine your individual risks for disease. This is obtained when you sit down with your doctor and review your past medical history and your family history.  After your risk assessment is complete, then periodic health checks can be directed at those areas of risk identified for you and the frequency of screening is dependent upon your age, sex, and personal risks.  Now we are focusing on prevention of disease instead of merely detection of disease. The two online guides listed below will help you determine and track your own personal risks and give you a guideline for frequency of visits to your doctor. For Preventive Medicine Guidelines For ADULTS, Click Here. For Preventive Medicine Guidelines For CHILDREN, Click Here.