Check-up packages by age and sex

Why a tailored check-up is worth more than the same list for everyone

A general check-up is not a list of examinations that “detects everything”. The benefit comes from tests that answer a defined question for age, sex, risk factors and known diseases. A package with many examinations without a reason may bring findings of no clinical importance and unnecessary investigations.

The packages below are therefore starting points: the final content is set by the doctor after the visit and the history, and some examinations are added or removed as needed. Each package ends with a consultation in which the results are explained and linked in a follow-up plan.

Basic package for every adult

The basic package includes the visit with the internal medicine doctor with history and clinical examination, measurement of blood pressure, weight and height, and blood and urine tests: blood count, glucose, lipid profile, creatinine with estimation of kidney filtration, and liver enzymes. An ECG is added when there is a clinical reason or the doctor considers age to require it.

The aim is to identify arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, risk of diabetes, anemia and kidney and liver problems before they cause symptoms. This package suits every adult and is the base on which the other packages are built.

Cardiovascular package, after age 40 or with risk

It includes the cardiology consultation, cardiovascular risk assessment, blood pressure, lipid profile, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and an ECG. Echocardiography, rhythm Holter or 24-hour blood pressure Holter are added when there are symptoms, a heart murmur, unclear blood pressure or a finding that requires it.

This package is especially recommended when there is hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, a family history of early heart disease or complaints such as palpitations, dyspnea and chest discomfort. The result determines whether follow-up is enough or further investigation is needed.

Women’s package

It includes the gynecology check with pelvic ultrasound and Pap test, breast ultrasound and, according to age, TSH for the thyroid. Mammography, which is the screening examination after age 45–50, is not performed at the clinic; the woman is directed to a center that performs it and the result is interpreted in the consultation.

For postmenopausal women, the assessment is supplemented with the lipid profile and blood pressure, because cardiovascular risk rises. Women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer need an individual plan that may start earlier.

Digestive and colorectal screening package, from age 45

It includes the gastro-hepatology consultation, liver enzymes, blood count and, as indicated, abdominal ultrasound. From age 45, colorectal screening is discussed, which at the clinic is done with colonoscopy under sedation, with removal of small polyps and anatomopathological analysis of the tissue.

When there are upper digestive symptoms, such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing or anemia, gastroscopy is added by indication. Blood in the stool or a persistent change in bowel habit calls for examination at any age, without waiting for the package.

Metabolic and thyroid package

It includes glucose, HbA1c, lipid profile, creatinine, liver enzymes and TSH, together with assessment of weight and waist circumference. Thyroid ultrasound is added when the gland is enlarged, a nodule is felt or TSH is abnormal.

It is recommended for people with overweight, prediabetes, a family history of diabetes, hepatic steatosis or fatigue and weight change without a clear cause. The aim is a plan for weight, diet and activity, not just a list of results.

Frequently asked questions

Are the packages fixed in price and duration? The content is set by the doctor after the visit, so price and time depend on the examinations included. At booking you may ask about the composition of the package and the cost, and the doctor explains what is necessary for you.

How often should I repeat the check-up? A general check is recommended every 6 months to one year, according to age, risk and known diseases, and sooner when the doctor sees it as reasonable or symptoms change. Specific examinations, such as colonoscopy, have their own intervals set by the doctor.

Do I need to fast on the day of the check-up? For glucose and the lipid profile, fasting of 8–12 hours, water only, is usually required; for abdominal ultrasound several hours without food are requested. Ask at booking and do not stop medicines without instruction. Bring previous tests and reports.

Can I do only part of a package? Yes. The packages are modular and you can choose only the assessment you need. The doctor may suggest additional examinations or remove those that are not necessary, according to the history.

Does a check-up detect every disease? No. No package excludes every disease. A normal result is useful, but new symptoms call for assessment even when the last check-up was normal.

What happens if results come back abnormal? The doctor explains the results in the consultation, decides whether repetition, an additional examination or only follow-up is needed, and directs you to the relevant specialist within the clinic when needed.

Package for smokers and what is not included

For smokers or former smokers, the package combines cardiovascular assessment with spirometry, an ECG and, in men aged 65–75 who have smoked, an ultrasound of the abdominal aorta to look for widening. Counseling on stopping smoking is part of the visit.

Some examinations are not performed at the clinic: mammography, computed tomography, bone densitometry and the exercise test. When they are needed, you are directed to the relevant service and the result is interpreted in the consultation. A general check is recommended every 6 months to one year, and sooner when the doctor sees it as reasonable.

Care at Tirana Polyclinic: Book the check-up visit and the doctor adapts the package with you. Some examinations, such as mammography, computed tomography, densitometry and the exercise test, are not performed at the clinic and we direct you to the relevant service.