Preventive health screenings and health consultations in primary care increase life expectancy without increasing costs

Both intervention groups were offered a broad (multiphasic) screening including cardiovascular risk and a personal letter including screening results and advice on healthy living. Individuals in group A could contact their family physician for a normal consultation whereas group B were given fixed appointments for health consultations.

Analysis was carried out on the "intention to treat'' principle. Outcome parameters were life years gained, and direct and total health costs (including productivity costs), discounted by 3% annually.

The investigation concludes that preventive health screening and consultation in primary care in 30- to 49-year-olds produce significantly better life expectancy without extra direct and total costs over a six-year follow-up period.