As the CEO of a major corporation, Derek Hill has a demanding work life. In the past, the Raleigh resident skipped regular visits to the doctor simply because he was too busy, but today things are different. One of the perks of being an executive at his company is access to Duke Executive Health, which provides a comprehensive day of health testing, consultations with Duke experts, follow-up care, and referrals to Duke specialists. Hill was so pleased after his first visit in 2013 that he has returned every year since. “It’s a day well-spent,” he said.
More Than an Annual Checkup
Duke Executive Health patients undergo a complete physical workup -- including bloodwork, an exercise tolerance test, an electrocardiogram, and a body composition test. They also meet one-on-one with a dietitian, an exercise physiologist, and a behavioral therapist. Staff even help coordinate meals and transportation. By the end of the day, patients receive a detailed health plan to help them take charge of their health.
Ample Time with Patients
Visits include ample time to discuss test results and thoroughly address any health concerns. Referrals are placed if someone needs specialized care, such as cardiology or a knee replacement. And because people come to Duke Executive Health from other states and even other countries, care can also be coordinated closer to home.
Helping Patients Take Charge of Their Health
At age 57, Hill is healthy, and he intends to stay that way. He has had lengthy discussions with this doctor about colon cancer and high cholesterol, both of which are part of Hill’s family history. “What I've learned is that the patient needs to take an active role in their health,” he said. He appreciates their ongoing dialog and everything he has learned. “When we bring on new executives, I say, ‘This is a super benefit that the company provides. Make sure you use it."
