Getting an annual physical exam makes sure that you are in good health. A physical exam can be a preventive step because it gives you the opportunity to catch up on vaccines or detect any serious conditions before they cause any problems. During your physical exam, your doctor will check your vitals, such as weight, heart rate, and blood pressure. These are important things to check periodically.
Not sure what a physical exam addresses? We will talk about that next along with what happens during your annual physical exam.
What Is The Point Of A Physical Exam?
Your doctor will use a physical exam to see your overall health. Depending on your health history, your doctor may choose to focus on certain areas. For example, if your family has a history heart disease, you may receive additional blood pressure checks, blood tests, and cholesterol screenings.
Based on your physical exam test results, age, and personal health history, this is a great opportunity to discuss prevent any other health issues with your doctor. Also, they can give you tips to live a healthier lifestyle.
What Happens During A Physical Exam?
Here is a breakdown as to what can happen during an annual physical exam.
You Will Update Your Doctor On Your Health History
Your doctor may ask for any changes in your health history. They may ask you questions such as if you take any medicine or supplements, if you have any allergies, or had any recent surgeries.
Your Vital Signs Will Be Checked
Your doctor will take your blood pressure, check your heart rate, and respiratory rate. Depending on your health history, your blood pressure should be checked at least once a year to every three years.
You Will Get A Visual Exam
Your doctor will review your appearance for any potential conditions. They’ll check the parts of your body that could signal any existing health issues.
This is what your doctor will check on your body for your visual exam:
- chest
- head
- eyes
- abdomen
- hands and wrists
- speech and walking
And The Physical Exam Continues…
Your doctor will use medical tools to exam your eyes, ears, nose, and throat. They will also listen to your heart and lungs to see how they are doing. During the physical exam these are some other things that they will examine:
- skin, hair, and nails
- genitalia and rectum are a possibility
- motor functions and reflexes
Last Thing: Laboratory Tests
To complete your annual physical exam, your doctor may draw blood for several lab tests. These lab tests can include a complete blood count and a complete metabolic panel. The panel tests your blood plasma and can let your doctor know if there are any existing issues in your kidneys, liver, or immune system.
It is important for you and your family to get an annual physical exam to make sure that everyone is healthy or to prevent more serious health problems from happening.
Please check out our Annual Medical Exam PDF for our medevac coverage for an annual physical exam.
