FAQs

Euromedic Dundrum:
    Monday - Friday 08:00 - 20:00
    Saturday 08:00 - 16:00
    Closed Sunday

Euromedic Northwood:
    Monday - Friday 08:00 - 20:00
    Saturday 08:00 - 16:00
    Closed Sunday

Euromedic Cork:
    Monday - Friday 08:00 - 18:00
    Saturday by appointment.
    Closed Sunday

 

There is ample parking available at Euromedic Northwood and Euromedic Cork.
At Euromedic Dundrum there is a limited number of spaces allocated in the Balally Luas Stop. We suggest you park in Dundrum Shopping Centre (Tesco car park has easiest access to the clinic) and walk over - 5-minute walk. Complimentary parking tickets for the shopping center will be available at the clinic reception.

There are three ways to book your health assessment with HealthWatch:

    - you can book your HealthWatch appointment using our online booking facility on this website
    - over the phone on 1890 400 444
    - in person with our dedicated HealthWatch Team Member at our Centre     

Our first appointment is scheduled for 7.00 am and the last one is at 3.20 pm Monday-Friday (7.00 am - 10.30 am on Saturday). Depending on the type of health assessment you wish to avail of, a specific day of week/time of day may be required. Please contact us on 1890 444 400 and we will advise you in this matter.

Your appointment can be changed or cancelled by ringing our Appointment Centre on 1890 400 444. We will do this for free, providing you call us at least two clear working days before your appointment. A 15% fee will be charged if you give us less notice than two clear working days.

The payment is made over the phone by credit, debit, or charge cards.

Yes, you may pay by cash or cheque on the day of your appointment when you arrive at reception.

The following is the list of entitlements allowable for certain private health insurer membership plans. These entitlements are dependent on what policy the participant holds:

A - VHI Healthcare
For VHI Healthcare allowances, please contact VHI Healthcare on 1850 444444 for more information

B - Hibernian/Aviva

B - Quinn Healthcare
For Quinn Healthcare allowances, please contact Quinn Healthcare on 1890 700890 for more information

If you are paying taxes under the PAYE system, it is possible to claim the cost of certain medical expenses, including health screening, back against your personal taxes at the end of the year. As from Jan 1st 2009, the relief is granted at 20% on cumulative medical expenses over €125. Other costs that are covered under this benefit include GP consultations, prescribed drugs and medications so it is easy enough to reach this threshold of €125.

The Med 1 form can be completed and submitted on-line at http://www.revenue.ie/en/online/paye-anytime.html, downloaded from www.revenue.ie/en/tax/it/forms/med1.pdf or alternatively we can provide you with one on the day of your medical. If you are claiming some of the cost back from your medical insurance company, it is possible to claim relief on the balance that is not covered by the benefit. Further information is available from the Revenue Commissioners on 1890 333425.

Healthwatch during pregnancy is safe, once there are no X Rays, CT or MRI scans. Blood testing, ECG and spirometry are safe. However, some blood results like cholesterol, liver function and haemoglobin may be altered during pregnancy, so some abnormal results during the pregnant phase may need to be repeated after the baby is delivered to determine the true level.

Cervical smear test CANNOT be performed if you are pregnant. So if there is a possibility that you are pregnant and you are due for a cervical smear test, it is very important you inform the nursing staff of this.

GENERAL

Medical History & Lifestyle Questionnaire - in order to assess your health status properly we will ask you to provide detailed information regarding your lifestyle and medical history by filling in the questionnaire.

Consultation with Doctor - our Doctor will go through all your test results with you, discuss the implications of them in detail and provide you with a plan to manage your health.

Health Trend analysis on previous results - a comparison of key health indicators taken from previous health assessments in order to see how your health is changing over time.

Dietary Consultation - a detailed consultation with our nurse on the current dietary practices on an individual, and recommendations/plans on how to change these dietary practices in order to improve heath and wellbeing.

Physical Examination with Doctor - this involves a general physical assessment of the body to include eyes, ears, nose, throat, heart, lungs, abdomen and central nervous system.

Calculate Coronary Risk Score - a score indicating your risk of having a heart attack within the next 10 years.

Calculate Diabetes Risk Score - a score indicating your risk to develop diabetes.

Review/calculate eGFR - a detailed kidney function test.

Delivery of Report - our doctor will put his observations, comments, and recommendations on to a Report, which is easy to read and understand.

BIOMETRIC MEASUREMENTS

Height, Weight & Body Mass index - Body Mass Index is a measure of relative heaviness/obesity. It is your weight in kg divided by your height in meters squared. A BMI under 20 is considered too thin; a BMI from about 20-25 is considered normal. A BMI between 25 and 30 is considered overweight, and a BMI over 30 is considered obese.

Blood pressure & Heart Rate- Blood pressure is a measurement of the pressure of the circulating blood against the walls of the blood vessels. Adult blood pressure is considered normal at 120/80 where the first number is the systolic pressure and the second is the diastolic pressure. It is measured by inflating a compression cuff around the upper arm. Heart Rate - the pace at which your heart is beating measured by taking your pulse.

Body Fat percentage - a test measuring how much of your body is made up of fat and how much is lean tissue (muscle and bone).

Waist Circumference - increased waist circumference can indicate increased abdominal fat which is associated with an increased risk of heart disease.

Strength Assessment - a test used to measure “grip” strength, which is a main factor of physical fitness.

Flexibility Test - a test used to measure how flexible your joints are, which can be influential in preventing aches and pains.

OTHER INVESTIGATIONS

Resting ECG - is a test to record information about your heart beat. It involves using wires connected to your arms, legs and chest to pick up the electrical signals produced by your heart. It checks how well your heart is functioning and can detect various problems with your heart, including an abnormal heartbeat or if the heart is working under strain.

Exercise ECG - is an ECG while walking on a treadmill. It shows the electrical conduction in your heart at rest and during exercise. Abnormalities during exercise may indicate certain heart problems.

Lung Function Test - a test measuring lung size and how well the lungs can circulate air. This test helps in the detection of conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis or emphysema.

Vision Test - a test checking your vision at different distances, also colour and peripheral vision and focus and sharpness.

Hearing Test - a test checking your hearing at different frequencies.

Carbon Monoxide Test (smokers) - a breath test used to measure the level of carbon monoxide (which combines with haemoglobin and displaces oxygen) in your blood.

Chest X-Ray - this is a projection radiograph of the chest, offered, if clinically appropriate, to investigate specific symptoms of possible chest disease.

LABORATORY ANALYSIS

Full Blood Count - by checking 15 different measures of the blood, including the number and size of red and white blood cells and the concentration of haemoglobin, which is responsible for carrying oxygen. This test helps detect anemia or other diseases.

Urea and electrolytes - the two measures of kidney function.

Liver - these tests include Bilirubin, Protein, Albumen, AST, ALT, GGT, LDH and Alkaline Phosphatase. A rise in GGT in isolation may suggest a higher than recommended alcohol intake. Some of the other parameters may be elevated in bone or muscle disease as well as liver conditions.

Bone - a test, measuring calcium, magnesium and phosphate levels.

Lipid - cholesterol, LDL and Triglycerides are the fat substances in the blood, which, if elevated, are one of the risk factors for heart disease. HDL is the “good” cholesterol which helps to protect the heart. Fasting for 14 hours before the blood test gives a more accurate result.

Glucose - a high level of glucose in a fasting patient may indicate the presence of Diabetes Mellitus.

CRP - C-reactive protein, measured for detecting inflammation.

Uric Acid (Gout Test) - raised uric acid may indicate a predisposition to Gout.

Iron Studies - this series of tests measures your iron status.

Haemochromatosis Screen (Ferritin) - Serum Ferritin measures the body's iron stores, and is a screening test for Haemochromatosis.

Thyroid Function Test - this test diagnoses an under active or over active thyroid gland.

Vitamin B12 & Folate - a test to check the levels of vitamin B12 and Folate, which play an important role in producing red blood cells; Folate is also important if you are planning on conceiving or are in early stages of pregnancy.

Menopausal Profile - see Female Specific Tests section

Prostate Specific Antigen - see Male Specific Tests section

Testosterone - see Male Specific Tests section

Faecal Occult Blood test (over 50) - a test looking for blood in a feces sample, which may be a symptom of stomach or peptic ulcers, benign polyps, piles or anal fissures, or even bowel cancer.

Urinalysis - a test of a urine sample for diabetes, infection and kidney problems.

FEMALE SPECIFIC TESTS

Breast Cancer Awareness - information and advice on the topic.

Breast Examination - a physical examination of breasts to detect early changes that may lead to breast cancer.

Cervical Cancer Screening - a liquid cytology test used to detect any pre-cancerous changes in the cells of cervix.

Pelvic Examination - a physical examination of the pelvic area as well as internal check of the vagina, uterus, and ovaries.

Dexa Scan - a scan providing a direct measurement of bone density (strength of your bones).

Menopausal Profile - a blood test to measure the level of three hormones - Follicle-stimulating hormone, Luteinising hormone and Oestradiol, also thyroid stimulating hormone and free thyroxine.

MALE SPECIFIC TESTS

Testicular Cancer Awareness - information and advice on the topic.

Testicular Examination - a testicular examination and prostate examination where appropriate.

Prostate Specific Antigen - a blood test to measure the activity of the cells in the prostate gland, which may be increased in benign prostate enlargement or in prostate cancer.

Testosterone - a blood test to measure levels of this steroid hormone, playing a key role in health and well-being as well as preventing osteoporosis.

Abdominal Ultrasound - a test to help detect aortic aneurysms, a bulge or weakening of the main artery, that often has no symptoms and can lead to strokes and other haemorrhages.

Firstly you will meet with one of the Healthwatch nurses who will greet you and explain your assessment in detail. He/She will take a blood sample (you will have been advised of 8-hour fasting arrangements prior to attending) and collect a urine sample. A comprehensive range of tests will be carried out at this time also. The number of tests carried out will depend on what screening package you are availing of.

Next you can enjoy a light lunch and then you are ready to meet with the doctor for your consultation. The doctor will have the majority of your results available at this time together with your completed medical questionnaire.

The doctor will discuss the findings and advise of forward planning. He/She will furnish you with all the routine test results along with your medical report and health action plan.

If your health assessment package includes the FOB (Faecal Occult Blood) test, the FOB collection kit will be sent to you in your pre-screening pack, and this will include a clear set of instructions on how to collect a sample. You are required to bring this sample with you to your appointment.

When you book your HEALTHWATCH appointment we will send you a pre-screening pack in post, which will include a health questionnaire that you’ll need to complete before your assessment. If for any reason the appointment pack does not arrive in time you can access the checklist, questionnaire and other important information about your health assessment online. Alternatively you should arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment to allow time to complete the questionnaire.

Most assessments include a measurement of your cholesterol and glucose levels. In order to ensure accurate readings, it is important that in the 8 hours preceding your assessment you consume water only. If you are very hungry you may have dry bread or toast, but please inform the nurse if you have not fasted for the full 8 hours.

If you wear glasses or contact lenses, please remember to bring them with you on the day of your appointment.

If you are on medication, please continue taking it, but we will need to know the name of it as sometimes it can affect the blood results.

Also, please do not apply body lotion on the morning of your appointment and wear comfortable clothes.

If you forgot or were not able to fast for 8 hours prior to your appointment, please let our nurse know of this.

The entire appointment can take up to four hours depending on which health assessment you choose. There will be a short waiting period following your initial screening session with the nurse. This allows us to process all your routine test results so that they are available for the doctor to review during the consultation.

The majority of your test results will be ready and available within hours for your consultation appointment with the HealthWatch Doctor. There are a small number of test results that will not be available on the day. The Doctor will inform you when these results become available.

Should there be any significant findings, our medical team will advise you on the next action to take. We will strongly recommend that you make contact with your GP and that he/she is updated on all of your health related issues. Our medical team will advise and guide you on all follow up action that may be required.

In the vast majority of cases, a thorough health screen should be carried out every two years.