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Hallberg's Picture of Health: Are physicals necessary?

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A health worker gives a physical exam
A health worker gives a physical exam to a farm worker in Brighton, Colorado.
John Moore / Getty Images

Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel, often viewed as one of the architects of The Affordable Care Act, is questioning the value of a health care ritual.

In a New York Times op-ed, Emanuel is urging patients to skip their annual physical exam. He argues physicals are a waste of time and money.

Dr. Jon Hallberg agrees with Emanuel, to a point. But he also says annual exams can provide peace of mind and help maintain doctor/patient relationships, and those things shouldn't be dismissed.

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