Your Appointment at Duke Executive Health
A Day of Comprehensive Health Care
For More InformationDuring your visit, you will experience a full day of expert health care. Our team will assess your current health status and create an individualized actionable health plan to guide you over the next year. Your day will include blood work, a comprehensive physical, a fitness evaluation, body composition testing, and X-rays. You will also have one-on-one consultations with our exercise physiologist, nutritionist, and stress expert, as well as your doctor. We will provide everything you need to be comfortable and productive -- including meals, on-campus transportation, and access to a fully equipped business lounge.
Making the Most of Your Day
Your appointments are thoughtfully planned to maximize your time with us. Our staff ensures that your schedule runs smoothly and that your needs are met throughout the day.
Your first visit to Duke Executive Health lasts most of the day. Return annual visits typically take a half day or longer.
Typical Schedule for a First Visit
- 7:45 AM: Arrive at the Duke Executive Health Clinic
- 8:00 AM: Fasting blood work followed by a continental breakfast
- 8:30 AM: Comprehensive health assessment with doctor
- 9:30 AM: Exercise tolerance test (on treadmill)
- 10:30 AM: Chest X-ray, body composition
- 11:30 AM: Fitness planning
- 12:15 PM: Lunch
- 1:00 PM: Nutrition consultation
- 2:00 PM: Stress management session
- 3:00 PM: Exit interview with doctor
Learn more about Duke Executive Health Clinic, located on our Center for Living campus.
Tests and Exams
Frequent business meetings, travel, dining out, aging, and lack of exercise can increase your risks for diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and other health problems. We understand the logistical challenges you face and perform the following tests and exams to assess your health:
- Blood work, which may include comprehensive metabolic and lipid panels; tests for thyroid disease, vitamin D, and iron; and more
- Urinalysis to detect kidney disease, prostate problems, and infection
- Comprehensive physical exam
- Chest X-ray to screen for lung cancer, infection, and disease
- EKG to detect irregular heart rhythms, heart muscle damage, enlargement of the heart's chambers, mineral imbalances in the blood, and other heart problems
- Exercise tolerance test (also called a treadmill test or a stress test) to uncover cardiac problems and to assess your fitness level
- Body composition evaluation to measure fat and lean tissue
Optional Specialty Services
Additional tests or other health care services can be added to your schedule, if appropriate. These may include:
- Hearing tests
- Screening colonoscopy
- Calcium scoring CT
- Mammogram
- Preventive cardiology
- Cosmetic surgery and image enhancement
- Weight management
- Integrative medicine
These optional services may require additional time. For example, a screening colonoscopy requires special prep and could require 24 to 48 hours in addition to your Executive Health appointment.
We'll customize a package to meet your individual needs or those of your company's executives.
Consultations and Planning
After your exams, testing, and a healthy lunch, you will participate in three individual consultations with wellness professionals, all of whom are trained in health coaching. You will discuss your typical daily activities, your preferences, typical challenges, and more to help them create personalized plans for improving your health.
Fitness
Our exercise physiologist will use data from your visit including your body composition and fitness test results to help you build achievable strategies for incorporating physical activity into your life, based on your preferences, schedule, and health needs.
Nutrition
You will talk to our nutritionist about your current dietary habits and health goals. For example, you may want to increase your energy levels or manage your weight but are challenged by all-day meetings or frequent travel. They will use this information, along with your lab and body composition test results, to develop a simple, realistic nutrition plan to help you meet your targets.
Stress
Stress is a part of your daily life, and in small amounts it may increase productivity and sense of achievement. High levels, however, can have mental and physical consequences. Our stress manager will help you identify your most pressing stressors and provide you with the skills and tools to manage them.
You will also have an in-depth conversation with your doctor to review your test results and your action plan for preventative care.
Duke University Hospital is proud of our team and the exceptional care they provide. They are why we are once again recognized as the best hospital in North Carolina, and nationally ranked in 11 adult and 9 pediatric specialties by U.S. News & World Report for 2021–2022.
Insurance and Payment Options
Many organizations recognize the value of keeping their executives healthy and choose to cover the cost of their employees’ appointments at Duke Executive Health. Individuals can pay out of pocket or can have their labs and studies filed to their individual health insurance plan. You will be billed -- or may be asked to pay on the day of service -- for out-of-network fees, deductibles, and other services not covered by your insurance company.