The audacity of ‘Skip your annual physical’

Todays NYTimes opinion piece by Dr Emmanual quite calmly suggests that the long term data on the benefits of an annual physical (in and of itself) do not justify the time and expense.  He does not exaggerate, nor rule out the need for flu shots and regular important examinations – just the ritual raindance of having an annual physical and the (almost always) additional tests or x-rays that ensue.

How dare he challenge one of the core (insurance subsidized) entertainment events for so many health obsessed Americans?  In an age where conversations seem dominated with health discussions, television advertisements seem overwhelmed with medical devices and procedures, and roadside billboards have been taken over by physician ads; the notion of taking away a cornerstone in this health obsessed subculture is pure blasphemy.

I believe what he is saying is that physician examinations should be focused on those who really need it, not just want it. He is breaking the link between consumer behavior and medical needs. Health care, in our convoluted system, is more often than not a consumer choice. Part of ‘feeling better’ has become separated from ‘being better’.  It is early, but the forces of medical expenditure will be fighting back.