What a check-up is for
Preventive check-ups aim to find common conditions early, before symptoms appear, and to establish a baseline that later results can be compared against. They are not an exhaustive search for every possible disease; tests that are not indicated can produce false alarms and unnecessary follow-up.
Doctors usually tailor the content to age, family history, lifestyle and existing conditions. The list below describes what is commonly discussed rather than a fixed requirement.
Items commonly included
| Item | In the thirties | From the forties | From around fifty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blood pressure, weight, waist | At least yearly | At least yearly | At each visit |
| Fasting glucose or HbA1c | Every one to three years, sooner with risk factors | Every one to three years | Yearly is common |
| Lipid profile | Baseline, then every few years if normal | Every one to two years | Every one to two years |
| Kidney and liver blood tests | As indicated | Often included in a panel | Often included in a panel |
| Bowel cancer screening | Not routine unless family history | Discuss timing with a doctor | Commonly discussed |
| Prostate health discussion | Not routine | Raise symptoms or family history | Shared decision about PSA testing |
| Eyes, teeth and skin | Dental check every six to twelve months; eye test as needed | Eye test every one to two years | Eye test yearly is common |
Vaccinations and infections
Check-ups are a convenient moment to review immunisation records. Commonly discussed items include a tetanus and diphtheria booster about every ten years, annual influenza vaccination, hepatitis B immunity and, depending on circumstances, vaccines recommended for travel. Screening for hepatitis B and C is considered for some adults, particularly with specific risk factors.
How to access care in Indonesia
- Puskesmas community health centres provide basic examinations, blood pressure and blood sugar checks and referrals. JKN members register with a designated first-level facility.
- Posbindu PTM neighbourhood posts run by community health programmes offer basic screening for risk factors such as blood pressure, blood sugar and waist size.
- JKN (BPJS Kesehatan) covers a range of services through referral. The coverage for individual tests varies, so it helps to ask the facility what applies.
- Private clinics and hospitals offer check-up packages. It is reasonable to ask what each test is for and whether it is relevant to your age and history before accepting a package.
Preparing for the appointment
Before you go
- Follow any fasting instructions, usually eight to ten hours with water allowed, unless told otherwise.
- Bring a list of medicines, vitamins and herbal products you take.
- Note family history of heart disease, diabetes, stroke and cancer.
- Write down symptoms, even minor ones, with approximate dates.
- Bring previous results if you have them.
Questions that are often useful
- Which of my results are within the expected range and which are not?
- What does this test tell us, and what are its limits?
- What changes to food, activity and sleep are most relevant to me?
- When should the next test be done?
- What symptoms should prompt me to return sooner?
Reading your results calmly
A result slightly outside a reference range is not necessarily a diagnosis. Values vary with fasting status, time of day, recent illness and laboratory method. Repeat testing and clinical context decide what, if anything, needs to be done. Our heart and metabolic article gives reference values for the most common measurements, and the glossary explains terms found on reports.
Sources and further reading
- Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, Posbindu PTM and non-communicable disease screening guidance.
- BPJS Kesehatan, public information on services and referrals.
- World Health Organization, screening and early detection resources for noncommunicable diseases.
This article is general information. See our medical disclaimer.