The myth of health package
All of a sudden we are flooded with advertisements, bulk sms and mails about complete health package tests or whole body checkup ( a term which I find hilarious), by many laboratories some established some new, today I will tell you the reasons for it and it’s pros and cons
First I am against use of this term package sounds like you are going on a vacation, our health can not be reduced to a package, blood test ke sath ECG free, this is about your well being not some store offering discounts if you shop more. The economy behind health package testing is simple the more bulk a lab generates it’s cost of processing comes down , so to earn more profits the giants of pathology labs run health packages at rates which no one can compete , and thousands of people get tested unnecessary and roam from doctor to doctor with there bundle of health package reports, in all this the most important test value which matters to the patient is lost somewhere in the bundle of health package reports.
Always consult your family doctor or a pathologist before undertaking any test yourself , he might advice you only few targeted tests which are required and which matter to you, the cost of which may be a little high than your health package but it will be useful.
Yes you should get tested for blood sugar if you have family history of diabetes, and regularly if you are diabetic. Lipid profile should be checked if you are obese and above 40 .
I think health packages can be a good option for the employees before joining new job , also for chronic diseases like CKD , Diabetes for whom it can reduce the financial burden.
I feel pained when patient walks in and asks me about my package , he or she has forgotten that I am a pathologist and help him with the most important test required by him and save him lot of money, and earn me satisfaction of making a difference in his or her life.