Annual physical examinations are important appointments to schedule with your primary care physician (PCP). There are different recommendations for how frequently a person needs a check-up depending on age and other medical problems. It is recommended, for example, that some people need to come once per year and others less frequently. This is definitely something that we can help you figure out.
Your physical provides a great opportunity to discuss what to do and not to do for your future health and well-being. For patients who like to glean the most benefit from their annual checkups, we offer six tips to help you prepare for this type of office visit:
Schedule an Appointment
First, schedule an appointment for your physical with your primary care physician. If you don’t already have a PCP, which insurance companies sometimes term a “health care provider,” you can call your health insurance company for a list of providers in your area.
Fasting Before Physical
When making your appointment, be sure to ask whether you will need to fast before your physical. While most patients won’t have to, those with certain health conditions may need to, especially if your doctor plans to have some labs taken at your physical.
List of Medications
You’ll want to put together a list of medications that you are currently taking (including herbal supplements, vitamins and over-the-counter medications, as well as prescription medications.) You will also need to be prepared to list other medical care providers that are prescribing medications for you such as specialists.
Bring Results of Medical Tests
If you have had any medical tests conducted since your last physical, please be sure to bring in a copy of the results. Additionally, if you’ve seen any specialists (such as a neurologist or orthopedist), please bring their names and contact information with you. Your PCP will use this information to help coordinate your care.
Bring a Current List of your Immunizations
Make sure that you have a list of your immunizations because this is a key element of your overall healthcare and we want to make sure that you are up-to-date.
Be Assured that Your Wellness Visit is Confidential
Your healthcare provider may ask detailed questions in an effort to review your body’s systems from head to toe. Patients often struggle to mention “intimate” or “difficult” matters, such as urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and domestic violence for various reasons. It’s your physician’s job to keep you healthy; and he/she won’t find your concerns embarrassing, even if you do.
If you review this information a day prior to your physical, you will be well-equipped to maximize what you learn from your family care physician about your health and wellness both now and for the future.
Should you have additional questions or concerns prior to any appointment at Salem Family Medicine, our understanding team, headed by board-certified family practice physician Mark M. Taylor, MD, FAAFP, and trained to care for ages 5 and up is glad to assist you with them. Please contact us at (540) 375-2686 or schedule your appointment online.
Salem Family Practice2022-07-25T13:27:09-04:00January 4th, 2017|Categories: Blog, Health Tips, Primary Care|Tags: health checkups, Salem Family Medicine|
