The Vienna Medical Association calls for an expansion of annual preventive examinations. For example, laboratory parameters such as the thyroid value “TSH” and iron status in women should be examined.
In men, the blood count (which is already included in women) and the PSA test must be taken to detect prostate cancer early. “Prevention is the key to health and an established, unique early warning system that allows us doctors to detect diseases in time and sustainably increase the quality of life of patients. Unfortunately, the range of services is no longer up to date (…),” said Naghme Kamaleyan-Schmied, Vice President and Chairman of the Curia of Resident Doctors of the Vienna Medical Association, in a press release.
The rates have not been adjusted since 2017
Criticism was also expressed that the rates for preventive examination services have not been adjusted since 2017. At the same time, she welcomed the fact that computed tomography of the heart and prostate MRI have been included in the range of services since January 1. According to the doctors, in the future there should also be the option of preventive colonoscopy (colonoscopy, note) from the age of 45. In addition, long-term sugar screening to detect diabetes and the switch from hemoccult to the modern FIT test (stool test for the prevention of colon cancer) should be included in the offer. An ultrasound examination of the carotid artery to assess the risk for people with high blood pressure can also prevent many risks.
Women seek preventive care more often than men
From the age of 18 you can use the preventive examination once a year as a health insurance benefit. The resources used represent little compared to the total expenditure of the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK). It is offered by general practitioners and various specialists. Further special preventive examinations are offered in the gynecological field.
According to ÖGK, only just under twelve percent of men and slightly more women in Austria made use of a preventive examination in 2022. According to the Medical Association, awareness and incentive systems are needed to increase this number. The blood donation program of the Austrian Red Cross could be an example.
Source: Krone
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