![]() ![]() Chemistry panel (Creatinine, Blood Urea Nitrogen, etc.).However, your doctor may order certain blood tests based on the results of your physical exam, your medical history, and your family history.įor example, if you have a smoking history and are at high risk of lung disease, they may order spirometry (lung function tests), a chest X-ray, and an electrocardiogram (ECG).Īs part of your annual wellness visit, your doctor may take blood samples for laboratory testing and perform the following health screenings: Laboratory Tests There are no standard laboratory tests performed as part of an annual examination. What is normally done at an annual physical? This may involve a digital rectal exam (inserting a gloved and lubricated finger into the rectum). ![]() In men, the healthcare professional may examine the prostate gland and testicles as part of cancer screening. They may do a pelvic exam in women to examine the vulva, vagina, and cervix to detect sexually transmitted diseases or other problems. The healthcare provider will visually examine and palpate your breasts to check for any lumps that may indicate breast cancer or other benign breast problems. In women over the age of 40, the physical exam may include a breast exam. They may also do a complete skin exam to check for skin cancer. Your doctor may perform an extremities exam by moving your limbs to check joint movements, ask you questions about sensations, or use a rubber hammer to check reflexes. An abdominal exam may involve palpating (touching and applying gentle pressure on your belly). This includes more detailed physical exams of different organ systems, such as the heart and lungs, by listening with a stethoscope and doing a blood pressure check. Your healthcare provider will examine your head, eyes, ears, chest, abdomen, skin, and nervous system (speech, balance, muscle strength, and reflexes). Your doctor will check your heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and body temperature. This includes your current medications, vaccinations, nagging health problems, and lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, weight gain, sleep quality, sexual health, alcohol consumption, smoking, etc. Keep in mind that the appointment will be tailored according to your personal health history and family medical history. Some of the things that are included in an annual physical exam are listed below. You will also likely have your blood pressure checked every time you go to your doctor’s office. Healthcare providers check certain basics like height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) at every annual physical. What is included in an annual physical exam? Women over 50 should have a physical exam every 1-2 years, and men over 50 should have a yearly checkup. Generally speaking, as you grow older, the frequency of your visits to healthcare professionals should increase. However, men and women with a strong family history of diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, and certain other health issues may need to see their primary care physicians more often. Men in the 18-39 age group should have a wellness exam with their primary care provider every 2 years. Therefore, young men and women under the age of 40 can probably get away with less frequent physicals compared to older adults.Īccording to the Preventive Services Task Force (PSTF) and National Institutes of Health (NIH), women should have two physicals in their 20s and two in their 30s. ![]() With that said, health concerns are usually uncommon during young adulthood. Your doctor may recommend a diet and exercise plan to reduce your risk of heart disease. For example, a cholesterol lab test might show abnormal numbers even though you don’t have any symptoms. It can help to detect and treat health problems before they become severe. Do you need an annual physical when you’re young?Īn annual physical checkup is a great way to keep track of your health. Please continue reading to learn more about what to expect during a routine physical exam. A yearly exam also helps to maintain a connection with your primary care physician. However, an annual physical exam or wellness checkup is a great opportunity to discuss non-urgent health concerns and take preventive steps for optimum health.įor example, a yearly checkup can identify a problem like high blood pressure or other risk factors that are silent and do not cause any symptoms. Many of us avoid going to the doctor, especially when nothing’s wrong. ![]()
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