While the NHS offers long-established and very effective health screening programmes for conditions such as certain cancers, aortic aneurysms and diabetic eye problems, it doesn't offer an annual medical 'MOT' as such.
Where some GP practices will offer a health check every five years to those aged between 40 and 74, looking at height, weight, blood pressure and a blood test to check for diabetes and high cholesterol, Montpellier Medical says that a more detailed annual check can be most beneficial.
Dr Laura O'Loghlen, founder of Cheltenham-based Montpellier Medical, says that the clinic's MOTs have three major aims: identifying potential health issues; promoting long-term wellbeing; and providing peace of mind.
Laura said: 'Early detection is crucial for effective treatment and management of health conditions; and regular check-ups help you stay on top of your health and make informed decisions about your lifestyle and healthcare.
'Knowing your health status can also alleviate concerns and help you feel more in control.'
Montpellier Medical offers two types of health MOTs. A full 45-minute MOT is for a detailed chat with the doctor, where they will explore any health concerns and active symptoms, alongside past medical issues, regular medication and family and social factors that could be impacting on a person's current health.
'We also take the time to explore things such as sleep, diet, exercise and self-care habits, so we obtain a full 360-degree picture of a person's relationship with their health', Laura said.
'We perform a full physical examination, including offering a breast or prostate exam, as appropriate. An ECG is also included in our full health check – this involves putting stickers on the chest, wrists and ankles to allow us to produce a trace of the heart's electrical activity and assess for irregular heart rhythms.
'We take a comprehensive blood panel and urine samples for analysis, too, and send people home with a kit to do a stool sample for the bowel cancer screening test,' she continued.
The clinic also offers a mini medical MOT that's a shorter 30-minute appointment. During this, the doctor will still take a patient's history, perform a targeted physical examination, take blood and dip a urine sample.
There is also the option to 'bolt on' other tests to your mini-MOT, such as a prostate assessment or vitamin D and B12 level checks.
Laura says that most of the time the clinic's MOTs provide reassurance for another year of health, but that sometimes they can pick up issues.
An example of some conditions she has identified include irregular heart rhythm, non visible blood in urine, anaemia or low iron levels, abnormal liver function, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, prediabetes, vitamin D or B12 deficiency, thyroid conditions, and more.
Montpellier Medical is offering a discount of £50 on a Full MOT throughout the summer (book ‘health check summer discount’ online).
To book, visit montpelliermedical.co.uk or call 01242 379138.
