The Age Management Examination

The annual "Executive Physical" is being replaced by a far more scientific look at one's personal biology.  What formerly passed as a comprehensive "check up" is now seen as another gimmick to see if an individual has gotten a disease yet -- not a true understanding of that individual's genetics, biology, and path to maintenance of optimal function throughout their life.

The Minnesota Natural Medicine Age Management Examination is a thorough analysis of not only existing health and/or disease but also a detailed individualized look at a variety of biological functions that can be optimally managed -- in many cases with a minimum of pharmacologic interference.

I.  Thorough history (or update), internal medicine examination, and detailed laboratory analysis including all common conventional biomarkers (CBC, chemistries, urine, etc).

II.  Electrocardiogram and endothelial functional status based on pulse wave arterial profiling for an understanding of the status of small and large artery "stiffness" or elasticity".

III.  Body composition detailing fat and lean body mass %, basal metabolic rate, and indices measuring health of cell membranes and hydration/edema.

IV.  Neurocognitive testing measuring attention, memory, reaction time, and concentration.

V.  Detailed lipid analysis breaking cholesterol and triglycerides down into many subfractions that helps us to identify those who should and should not be subjected to aggressive lipid-lowering therapy by potentially harmful drugs such as Lipitor.

VI.  Hormone analysis including status of androgens (testosterone and DHEA), estrogens, progesterone, thyroid function, and growth hormone.

VII.  Detailed nutritional status profile including vitamin D, B vitamin needs, mineral status, oxidative stress markers (measurement of free radical control), and other cellular biomarkers of aging and incipient disease.

VIII.  Bone mineral density assessment (an instant look at whether or not you are losing bone mineral regardless of what your DEXA scan may look like).  A DEXA scan may be ordered if one has not been done recently or if an update is indicated.

With this type of comprehensive evaluation, a more customized approach can be designed for individual needs in order to maximize function and minimize disease risks.  Additional testing may be indicated that might include genetic, immunologic, or other methods of biological analysis the cost of which is not included.  Treatment plans may include follow up exams and testing or perhaps referral to appropriate specialists based on individual needs and indications.

Most laboratory testing will be done 3 or more weeks ahead of the visit, and arrangements can be made if coming from out of town to have blood drawn and urine collected locally.  The day of the exam will take ~ 2 hours and will include vascular, neurocognitive, and body composition testing followed by your physical examination.  You will then receive a detailed debriefing of all scientific data and an individualized care plan going forward.

We recommend this type of exam every 2-3 years with a briefer interval check more or less annually in between.  What requires followup testing will depend on the presence or absence of illness and functional status.

Additionally, as with all of our patients, one has unrestricted access by email to Dr. Foley for questions or issues between examinations.

Although some of the costs of this examination may be reimbursable by some insurance carriers (not Medicare), there is no guarantee that any of these services or tests will be covered.  Minnesota Natural Medicine is not a participant with any 3rd party payers nor are we contracted with anyone other than patients to provide services of any kind.  Please refer to our official policies on the home page for more details in this regard. 

Cost:  ~ $2000.  Some lab testing may be omitted or some added, but this is the average cost of everything detailed review.

$1000 will be required as a non refundable deposit in order to make your appointment.  The balance is due at the time of your appointment.  Cancellations can be rescheduled if done outside of 5 business days in advance of your appointment.  Cancellations less than 5 business days in advance of your appointment can be rescheduled with an additional $600 deposit. 

Please call us for an appointment for the Age Management Examination.