Annual Physical Exams Specialist

What is the purpose of an annual preventative physical?

The annual physical serves 3 primary purposes:

1. To detect life-threatening disease early, even before symptoms are present
2. To identify and limit risk factors in an effort to prevent disease
3. To allow a platform for discussion of physical and mental health, opening the door to discuss problems that the patient may not otherwise seek treatment for

Many serious conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, thyroid disease, and cancer are commonly detected during annual physicals. In addition, providers evaluate each patient for risk of certain disease and provide education on limiting risk when applicable as well as design a screening plan to address inherent high risk. Patients at risk of certain diseases may be screened sooner than the recommended age.

Who can perform annual physicals?

Physicals are generally performed by a primary care team which can include both a doctor, a physician assistant and/or a nurse practitioner. This team is trained to evaluate and assess all systems of the body. They’re qualified and experienced in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of hundreds of common conditions.

How should patients prepare for their physical?

Patients should consider any questions or concerns they have in advance and make note of them. It’s easy to get distracted during the appointment and forget to ask important questions. By writing down questions in advance, patients can ensure they leave their appointment feeling like all concerns were adequately discussed and addressed.

It is important to understand that this visit is NOT intended to diagnose and treat any new or ongoing medical issues and there is a strict limit set by insurance companies as to what can be ordered during a preventative wellness exam. If there are additional concerns, medication refills etc that need to be addressed during a preventative exam, they will be handled separately and may incur additional co-pays etc. If there are any questions about this, please just ask.