Check-up

Who this page is for

For people who want a full picture of their health in one place and in a short time, even while travelling.

And for foreigners living here who are looking for an annual check-up with a doctor who speaks their language.

What we do and what we do not

We do not take samples or interpret results - that is the job of the laboratory and the doctor.

We help you choose the clinic and the programme, plan the day, interpret between you and the staff and get the results to your own doctor. The clinic pays us no commission.

What a check-up is

A check-up is a set of tests, imaging and doctor consultations done in one or two days.

Its aim is what you do not feel yet but can manage more easily if it is found in time.

A check-up does not replace a doctor's visit when you have a specific complaint.

A ready package or a tailored programme

Many clinics have ready packages by age and sex.

A package is convenient, but sometimes it includes tests you do not need, or misses one that matters for you.

So before you arrive we show the package to a doctor and ask what to add or remove.

Family history

If heart disease, diabetes or cancer has run in your family, that affects the programme.

The doctor may recommend some tests earlier or in more detail because of it.

We put your family history in the questionnaire before you arrive.

The questionnaire before arrival

Clinics often send a questionnaire in advance: conditions, medication, operations and lifestyle.

We translate it into your language and prepare the answers for the clinic.

The more accurate the questionnaire, the more sensible the programme.

Previous results

Tests and imaging from recent years help the doctor see how things have changed.

Send them digitally, and we translate them if needed.

Sometimes a test no longer needs repeating if it was done recently.

Preparation

Some blood tests are done on an empty stomach, and a light dinner the evening before is best.

Some examinations, such as endoscopy, need their own preparation.

The clinic sets the preparation rules, and we send them to you in your language in advance.

Medication on the day

You often still need to take your regular medication on check-up day.

Some medicines, for diabetes for example, have special rules on a fasting-test day.

We ask the clinic's doctor in advance what to take and when.

How the day runs

The day usually starts in the morning with the laboratory, followed by imaging and consultations.

There is often a break around midday, and clinics sometimes offer breakfast.

At the end of the day or the next day the doctor goes through the results with you.

Laboratory tests

A full blood count, cholesterol, blood sugar and liver and kidney markers are common parts.

The doctor adds further tests according to age and complaints.

A value outside the normal range does not always mean disease, and the doctor judges that.

The heart

An ECG and a blood pressure reading are a normal part of a check-up.

If needed, the cardiologist adds a heart ultrasound or a stress test.

For a stress test, bring trainers and comfortable clothes.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound is painless, involves no radiation and often checks many organs in one visit.

An abdominal scan is often done on an empty stomach.

Some scans need a full bladder, and the clinic tells you this beforehand.

Radiation-based imaging

X-rays and CT scans involve radiation, so they are done only when indicated.

A good clinic does not offer you a CT scan "just in case".

If you are pregnant or might be, we always say so before the scan.

MRI

An MRI involves no radiation, but it takes a long time.

A metal implant or a pacemaker in the body must always be mentioned before this scan.

If you are afraid of enclosed spaces, we tell the doctor in advance.

Endoscopy

The doctor recommends a stomach or bowel endoscopy according to age and complaints.

It is often done under sedation, and you cannot drive that day.

A bowel examination needs preparation the day before, so we plan the schedule around it.

Women's health

A women's programme often includes a gynaecologist consultation and a breast examination.

Which examination is needed depends on age and family history.

The day of the cycle affects some tests, and we choose the date with that in mind.

Men's health

A men's programme often includes a urologist consultation, depending on age.

The doctor adds some tests based on family history.

Both women's and men's programmes include a check of the heart and blood vessels.

Cancer screening

The aim of screening is early detection, when treatment works better.

Which screening and from what age is decided by the doctor using international recommendations and your own risk.

There is no test that "shows everything", and we treat such promises with caution.

Eyes, skin and teeth

Some programmes include a visit to an eye doctor, a dermatologist or a dentist.

The dermatologist checks moles, which matters especially if you spend a lot of time in the sun.

We explain dental treatment on its own page.

Too many tests

More tests are not always better.

An unnecessary test may turn up a chance finding that means nothing but triggers more tests and worry.

So we ask the doctor why each test is needed in your case.

When results are ready

Many results are ready the same day, while some take a few days.

So the final talk with the doctor is sometimes planned for the next day or online.

We send you late results in your language.

The doctor's conclusion

The most important part of a check-up is the final talk with the doctor.

The doctor looks at all the results together and explains what is normal, what needs watching and what needs treatment.

This is the conversation where you need an interpreter most.

If something is found

Sometimes a check-up reveals something that needs further tests or treatment.

The doctor explains how urgent it is and whether it can be continued at home.

If needed, we arrange an extra visit on the same trip or send the documents to your doctor.

Incidental findings

Sometimes an examination shows a small change that causes no symptoms.

Often it only needs watching, not treatment.

The doctor says what to do and when, and we ask for that recommendation in writing.

Translating the results

Results are often issued in Georgian or English.

If needed we translate them into your language, with accurate terminology.

Keep the original along with the translation, because doctors sometimes prefer the original.

For your own doctor

Check-up results are most useful when your own doctor sees them.

We prepare the documents digitally so they are easy to forward.

Sometimes the local doctor and your doctor talk directly, and we arrange that.

How often

How often to repeat a check-up is something the doctor recommends based on age and results.

Many people do it once a year and compare each time with the previous year.

If you live here, we remind you about the annual visit in advance.

Lifestyle

In the final talk the doctor often discusses diet, sleep, exercise and stress too.

This advice is often the most useful outcome, even if it sounds the least impressive.

We ask for it in writing in the conclusion so you do not forget it once you are home.

Vitamins and minerals

Many programmes include tests for vitamins and iron.

If a level is low, the doctor sets the dose and length of any supplement.

Self-prescribed supplements sometimes do harm, so we always ask the doctor.

Sport and exertion

Anyone who trains hard or plans mountain hiking particularly needs a heart check.

In that case the cardiologist often adds a stress test.

Based on the result, they tell you what level of exertion is safe for you.

A second opinion

If the check-up points to a serious diagnosis, a second doctor's opinion is a normal step.

We arrange a consultation with another specialist, in person or online, based on the results.

You decide about treatment after hearing both opinions.

Check-up and travel

Many people give one day to the check-up and the rest of the trip to rest.

We plan the check-up at the start of the trip so there is time for results and any extra visit.

No tour is planned on the day of an endoscopy.

Corporate check-ups

Companies sometimes arrange screening for a group of employees.

In that case we set the schedule so that as little working time as possible is lost.

Each employee's results are private and belong to them alone, not to the employer.

Couples and families

Couples and families often come together and do their check-ups on the same day.

Each person has their own programme, and we arrange the schedule to cut down waiting.

For children we arrange a separate paediatric check.

Children

A child's check-up is a paediatrician's job and differs from an adult programme.

A child does not need every test, and a good paediatrician will tell you exactly which ones.

We make the blood draw as calm as possible for the child.

Older people

For an older person the day should be planned more gently, with breaks.

Sometimes we split the programme over two days to reduce tiredness.

Bring a list of all medication and the most recent reports.

Chronic conditions

With a chronic condition, a check-up often also serves to monitor existing treatment.

In that case the relevant specialist is added to the programme.

Any change to prescriptions is made in agreement with your own doctor, and we arrange that.

Pregnancy

A standard check-up is often not done during pregnancy, because some tests are contraindicated.

Pregnancy care is a separate matter, led by an obstetrician.

We explain it in the health section.

Personal information

Your health results belong to you alone.

The clinic does not share them with anyone without your consent, and neither do we.

If results arrive by email, we check that they go to the right address.

Insurance

Travel insurance often does not cover a preventive check-up.

Some health policies include an annual check-up, on their own terms.

We read the policy terms in advance and, if needed, prepare documents for the insurer.

Language

In the laboratory and the scanning room the instructions are usually short, so language matters less.

In the final talk with the doctor, every sentence matters.

We often book the interpreter for exactly that conversation.

Accommodation

A check-up morning starts early, so a night close to the clinic is the most convenient.

If you have an endoscopy, being close to a bathroom at the hotel the evening before matters.

We explain the options in the accommodation section.

Getting to the clinic

Hunting for a taxi early in the morning on an empty stomach is needless stress.

We arrange a driver who picks you up at the hotel in the morning and brings you back in the evening.

After sedation, a driver or companion is essential.

Season

A check-up can be done all year round.

On public holidays some laboratories and doctors are not working.

We choose the date by the clinic's calendar and often avoid Mondays, when clinics are busy.

Common mistakes

Leaving on the last day of the check-up without the final talk.

Having breakfast before a fasting test, which distorts the result.

Leaving the results on paper that your own doctor will never see.

What we need from you

Age, complaints, family history and medication.

Previous tests and imaging, if you have them.

Dates, how many days you are giving the check-up and which language you want to speak with the doctor in.

Cost

The clinic sets the price of the programme, and you pay the clinic directly.

Any extra test the doctor adds is listed separately, and we tell you in advance.

The interpreter, driver and accommodation are separate items, and our coordination is agreed in advance.