How do they work?
At Long Beach Memorial, for example, a customized VIP package is designed around each individual’s needs according to a number of factors. These include age, gender, lifestyle, nutrition and exercise habits, detailed personal and family history and more. Through comprehensive evaluation and extensive counseling, as well as consistent monitoring by outstanding physicians, clinicians and support personnel, patients receive one-on-one attention. Our Memorial ambassador guides each person through the process — scheduling components of the executive physical, assisting in choosing the examining physician, meeting and escorting the individual through the screenings, coordinating transmittal of test results, helping in preparing paperwork, arranging for follow-up visits that may result from the comprehensive exam, answering all questions and assisting the client and the company.
What are typical program components?
While each executive physical is tailored to specific needs, the program offers a complete physical by a board-certified physician. Medical tests may include an EKG, blood analysis and urinalysis, as well as testing for flexibility, strength and lung function. Women may receive a bone density study and Pap test while men over 50 may be screened for prostate cancer with a PSA test. Additional tests including mammography, sigmoidoscopy, chest X-ray, osteoporosis screening, treadmill stress testing and more may be added to or included in the core program. The diagnostic tests and screenings may reveal conditions ranging from heart, pulmonary, liver, vascular, kidney and thyroid disease to diabetes, high blood pressure, anemia, asthma, hearing or vision problems, and more.
How are the results shared?
During the extensive consultation, the physician discusses the patient’s risk factors, genetic characteristics and any habits that may affect his or her health. Advice is then offered on how to eliminate or minimize risk factors and achieve a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle. The recommendations based on the findings are coupled with the latest and most advanced best practice medicine and wellness to guide the busy executive in achieving optimal health. Each individual receives a complete personalized report, health profile and recommendations for any follow-up activities and lifestyle improvements. It’s a snapshot of one’s health future and our version of the crystal ball.
Who is eligible and what is the cost?
You don’t need to be in the C-suite to be eligible for an executive physical. The program is open to individual business professionals and corporate and nonprofit organization executives as well as management and employees and others seeking a comprehensive look at their current and future health. Costs are reasonable and may be covered in part by the employer or health plan.
Diana Hendel is CEO of Miller Children’s Hospital Long Beach and Long Beach Memorial, which combined have 788 beds, making it among the West’s largest hospital campuses. The facilities are a member of the not-for-profit MemorialCare Health System (memorialcare.org), which includes Orange Coast Memorial in Fountain Valley and Saddleback Memorial in Laguna Hills and San Clemente.