Adapting the Selective Periodic Health Exam to a College-Aged Population

Abstract

The periodic health examination is a group of tasks carried out by physicians at regular intervals, but not always yearly. It is designed to determine either the risk of subsequent disease or to identify disease in its early, asymptomatic state. These tasks include immunizations, health promotion topics, and specific clinical screening maneuvers. This paper seeks to increase awareness of the extensive work being done by the Canadian Task Force on Health Care Screening and the Joint American Preventive Services Task Force in setting standards for the periodic health exam. The exam can be reviewed in the office and urgent-care setting or promoted in health education activities. Knowledge of the new standards for the periodic health exam can help in setting priorities for preventive activities in student health services. Implementation in the college-aged group will require cost considerations.