Scheduling an annual physical exam is a simple, yet very important step to maintaining good health. Your annual physical allows your primary care physician to check for signs of any health issues before they worsen, while also providing guidance to help you achieve your long-term health goals.
Many patients make the mistake of thinking that an annual physical exam is unnecessary if they feel healthy. But in actuality, these exams are essential for preventative care. They can uncover potential problems that may not yet have any symptoms. And, if you are currently experiencing symptoms, your doctor can provide better care by having more intimate knowledge of your medical history from routine checkups every year.
What happens at an annual physical exam?
While every medical office is different, there are certain types of checkups that occur at most annual physicals. In general, these exams provide an opportunity for the physician to check your vital signs and overall health, while also addressing any questions or concerns you have.
Your doctor or nurse may check the following:
Physicals for men and women can also be slightly different. For example, physicians may check men for signs of testicular or prostate problems, while women are often checked for abnormalities in the breasts.
If any issues are uncovered during the physical, or you have certain risk factors, your doctor may order additional screenings and blood tests, such as:
Annual physicals can also include:
How long does a physical take?
Every appointment is different, but most exams only take about 30-45 minutes.
Physicals can be longer or shorter depending on your age, existing health issues or the specific questions you have for your doctor.
Schedule your annual physical exam at Maryland Primary Care in Lanham, MD. Make an appointment today by calling 301-277-3555.
Every patient at Maryland Primary Care receives exceptional care from our entire staff and gets access to our free app, which analyzes cardiovascular risk and creates a personalized plan of activities and diet for a healthier lifestyle.