Health Information - North County Internists

North County Internists (NCI) provides selective health information for patients currently under the care of NCI doctors. The health information offered here should be confirmed by consulting with your NCI physician as to whether such medi laptop and stethoscope Royalty Free Stock Photo cal advice is applicable to you or not.

Pelvic and Breast Exams: NCI normally recommends women have these exams annually and women over 65 may have the pelvic exam every 2-3 years.

Mammograms: NCI recommends women over the age of 40 have a mammogram every year.

Colonoscopy Screening Exams: NCI recommends that all patients over the age of 50 have this exam performed once every five years.

Annual Physical Exams: NCI suggests all patients over the age of 65 have an annual physical. Patients below age 65 may require annual physicals if they have chronic medical conditions that warrant it.

Flu Immunizations: NCI recommends that all patients over the age of 65 and those younger with the following medical conditions have a flu immunization between late September and December:

1. Patients with asthma, COPD or emphysema
2. Patients with heart disease
3. Patients suffering from kidney failure
4. Patients with diabetes mellitus
5. Patients with chronic diseases that compromise their immune systems

If you are not sure whether your medical condition indicates the need for an annual flu shot, please contact your NCI physician for advice.

The information on this site is solely for purposes of general patient education, and may not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical care. Consult your own physician for evaluation and treatment of your specific condition.