Getting an annual checkup, also known as a well check or physical, at your doctor’s office is important for your health and well-being.
At this appointment, your provider can help you:
- Identify and address potential health issues before they become more serious.
- Monitor changes in your health over time.
- Keep you up to date on important immunizations.
- Manage any medications.
- Provide general counseling on your lifestyle, including diet and exercise.
Keeping up with annual appointments is key to good health. For some patients, however, going to the doctor can be a source of anxiety. Knowing what to expect in advance can help you to feel more confident and prepared for the experience. Having a trusted provider who you are familiar with can also help you feel more at ease.
What to Expect at Your Annual Checkup
Do you have a doctor’s appointment coming up, or know it’s time to schedule one? Most providers agree that healthy adults under the age of 50 should schedule a checkup every one to three years. While guidelines vary, your doctor can help determine how often these appointments are needed in your individual case. Here’s what you can expect from your appointment and how to feel more confident before you walk in the door.
Checking Vital Signs
At a well check appointment, a provider will check your vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate and body temperature. This is important for monitoring your well-being over time.
Reviewing Medical History
Your provider will review your medical history, including any chronic conditions, previous surgeries, medications and family medical history. It can be helpful to keep a notebook or note in your phone, with key details.
Getting a Physical Exam
Your provider will complete a physical exam, including the head, eyes, ears, nose, throat, heart, lungs, abdomen, skin and neurological functions. This is important for identifying any issues early and providing preventative care.
This exam may include:
- Checking your heart and lungs with a stethoscope.
- Looking in your mouth with a light and a tongue depressor.
- Looking into your ears with an otoscope.
- Feeling your abdomen to check your organs.
- Gently pressing your neck to check your lymph nodes.
Depending on your age and gender, your provider may also suggest a breast and pelvic exam and a pap smear or genital and prostate exam.
Discuss Lifestyle Habits
Your provider may inquire about your lifestyle choices, including diet, physical activity, sleep, stress levels and any habits such as smoking or alcohol consumption.
Remember: Even if you are not proud of everything you have to report, the provider is on your side. In one study, 60%-80% of Americans admitted they had not been forthcoming with doctors about information that could be relevant to their health. While it may be tempting to tell the provider an idealized version of the truth, it’s important to be honest so they can provide the best recommendations and advice for your situation.
Completing a Mental Health Assessment
Your provider may ask about your emotional well-being, stress levels and any symptoms of anxiety or depression. Again, it’s very important to be honest with your provider. They are there to help no matter how you are feeling.
Reviewing Medications
If you’re taking any medications, your provider will review them to ensure they are effective and safe. Adjustments may be made based on your health status. Be sure to also ask any questions you may have about safely storing and disposing of medications.
Are You Due for a Checkup?
Do you know how often you should go in for an exam? Take this quiz to test your knowledge.
Discussing Additional Care
Depending on your age, gender and risk factors, your provider may recommend screenings for common cancers (mammograms or colonoscopies), as well as vaccinations or booster shots. They may also order blood tests to assess various health markers, including cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels and indicators of organ function.
While considering the possibility of these conditions can induce anxiety, it’s important to remember the importance of preventative care in identifying and treating any issues early. You can always discuss any concerns or fears you have with your provider.
Your Turn: Asking Questions
Now that you’ve completed your overall health and wellness check, it’s time for you to bring up any topics you’d like to discuss with the provider. Ask questions, discuss any health concerns you have (whether mental or physical) and seek advice on specific health topics. Feeling worried that you’re not getting enough sleep, or struggling with frequent headaches? Now is a great time to get some tools and strategies to help you feel your best.
A few sample questions to ask include:
- Are there any health issues I should be watching based on my age, family history, or lifestyle?
- Is my diet supporting my overall health? Should I make any changes?
- What are healthy ways to manage stress?
- Are my current medications still appropriate?
- Should I continue taking these vitamins or supplements?
- When should I schedule my next check-up?
- What symptoms or changes should prompt me to call your office?
Walking into your appointment with a list of questions in hand can help you feel more confident and prepared to speak with your healthcare provider.
One Step Further: Referrals and Specialists
While seeing a primary care provider annually an important piece of the puzzle, there are other types of appointments that help you to maintain your health. These include:
- Dentistry: Focuses on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of oral health issues affecting the teeth, gums and mouth.
- Physical Therapy: Helps patients restore movement, improve strength and reduce pain through personalized exercises and treatments.
- Cardiology: Specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the heart and blood vessels.
- Podiatry: Provides care for feet, ankles and lower limbs, including injuries and chronic conditions.
- Mental Health/Counseling: Supports emotional well-being by helping individuals manage stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health concerns.
- Audiology: Diagnoses and treats hearing loss, balance issues and other auditory disorders.
- Optometry: Offers vision care, including eye exams, prescriptions for glasses or contacts and detection of eye diseases.
Talk to your primary care provider about whether they recommend additional care in any of these areas based on your individual symptoms and needs.
Find Care at ACV Health
While going to the doctor for an annual checkup can feel intimidating at first, it’s important to build a relationship with a care provider you trust.
Our mission at ACV Health, an outreach of Advent Christian Village, is to provide compassionate care to those who need it in Live Oak, Florida. Patients experience the warmth of a small-town doctor’s office backed by the resources of a larger provider. Our services range from primary and specialty care to rehabilitation and home health.
Through our partner providers at the Copeland Medical Center, we also offer family dentistry, audiology, podiatry and more. Request an appointment today to get started.
DISCLAIMER: This blog is not intended as medical advice. If you have questions related to your health, please speak with health care professional.
