Annual Physical Exams
The annual physical exam is something that every patient at Vanguard Medical Group should have on their calendar. Physicals are wellness exams and give your doctor a chance to make sure you are doing all the things you need to do to optimize your health and keep yourself healthy. It’s an opportunity to work with your doctor to make a proactive health and wellness plan.
What are Annual Physicals?
During an annual wellness exam, your doctor will talk to you about strategies to improve your health and promote wellness. This may include a discussion about your diet and exercise habits, sleep routine, or stress management techniques. It will also include recommendations for cancer screening and prevention, immunizations, and appropriate testing to help prevent illness. Your doctor may also recommend vitamins or lifestyle changes to improve your health. The annual physical is a valuable tool for you to work with your doctor to create a comprehensive wellness plan and for you to get connected with any needed resources.
The physical exam allows doctors to identify potential health concerns early and recommend appropriate next steps for your care or lifestyle changes that support your overall health. And while it may be tempting to skip annual physicals, they’re one of the best ways to maintain good health and eliminate illnesses before they become more serious.
What to Expect at an Annual Physical
The annual physical is customized for every patient. Based on your age, sex, and risk factors, your doctor will develop a prevention plan. For some, this many include a mammogram, pap smear, or breast exam, a colonoscopy, or screening for prostate cancer. Well child checks allow doctors to assess your child’s growth, physical and emotional development, as well as make sure children are up to date on vaccines and developing healthy habits.
Based on your age, personal history, family history, and risk factors, your provider may recommend preventive screenings or testing.
In general, however, you can expect a doctor to do all or some of the following at an annual physical:
- Check your vitals (weight, blood pressure, heart rate, etc.)
- Update your family health history
- Discuss overall emotional wellness and conduct a preventive mental health screening
- Ask about your diet and exercise routine
- Perform a head to toe physical examination
Understanding Preventive Visits and Additional Medical Care
Annual physicals focus on preventive care, wellness, recommended screenings, and helping you stay healthy.
Sometimes additional medical concerns may also be evaluated during the same visit, such as new symptoms, ongoing medical conditions, medications, mental health concerns, or diagnostic testing needs. When care provided goes beyond preventive services, your insurance company may process part of the visit as problem-focused or diagnostic care.
Depending on your insurance plan, this may result in additional patient responsibility such as a copayment, coinsurance, or deductible.
If additional concerns require more time or evaluation, your provider may recommend a separate follow-up appointment so your concerns can be addressed fully.
If you have questions about your insurance coverage or preventive care benefits, we encourage you to contact your insurance carrier directly.
Have You Had Your Annual Physical Yet?
Whether you’re a new patient or an existing one, Vanguard Medical Group can help get you set up with an annual physical. Just give us a call or make an appointment online to book a date and time, so that you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with quality medical care.
