Annual Physical

What is an annual physical?

We usually visit our doctor in case of an illness or when we feel symptoms of something that is wrong with our body. Annual Physical is a once a year check up that goes beyond reactionary behavior to regular preventive overall health check. These check-ups can be once a year, or twice, depending on your age and your unique health history, risks, and needs.

PS: You don't need to be unwell to schedule an Annual Physical.

 

How does Annual Physical help you?

An Annual Physical is essential, especially for persons over the age of 50. Annual Physical is used to:

• help avoid future complications with early intervention
• establish important parameters such as weight, blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels
• immunizations updates if required
• help maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine
• review medications

What happens at the Annual Physical?

During the Physical Annual, the physician may take you through routine tests to access your current health.

Health history

Firstly, your physician will inquire about any recent developments and changes in your health. This could include a list of

• recent medications
• any allergies
• family's medical history
• vaccination history

Vital signs

A review of your vital signs is also an important part of any physical exam. Your doctor will take your blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature, as well as your respiratory rate.

Visual Exam

After checking your vital signs for any irregularities or potential problems, your doctor may examine your appearances. This might entail an examination of:

• Head
• Eyes
• Ears
• Chest
• Abdomen
• Skin and nails, to identify any dermatological issues or diseases
• Nervous system functions, such as speech, muscle strength, balance or reflexes

Physical Exam

Following a visual examination, your doctor will continue the checkup with a physical exam. Because each patient is uniquely different, not all physical exams will be the same. However, here are some common examinations to expect:

Heart exam: Physician listens to your heartbeat using a stethoscope for any signs of an abnormal pulse or heart murmur

Lung exam: using a stethoscope, the physician listens for wheezing, reduced breath sounds, or abnormal breathing to identify any sign of heart or lung problems

Abdominal exam: by tapping near your abdomen, the physician examines liver size and checks for the presence of abdominal fluid, looking for any signs of soreness or pain

Extremities exam: this test is used to check for any potential issues with joints and to detect any physical or sensory changes in your extremities, such as your wrists and arms

Laboratory Tests

Based on your medical history and any risk factors you may have, your doctor may draw blood for laboratory tests. For example, if a patient has a family history of heart disease, a lipid panel may be required (cholesterol test)

Additional Assessments

• Cognitive Assessment
• Fall Risk Assessment

How to Prepare for Annual Physical?

Before your appointment, make sure you have the following information:

• Current medications and allergies
• List of symptoms
• Any recent lab test results
• Record of past diagnosis
• Questions you’d like to ask your physician/provider

If your physician has requested that you fast for a blood test, be sure to follow their advice.

Following up after an Annual physical

Your physician will work with you to develop a personalized follow-up care plan. This plan will serve as a guide for monitoring your health for the months and years that follow. Your care plan may include regular physical examinations and medical tests.

Your annual physical exam is designed to examine your current health and to identify and avoid serious potential health problems. Communication with your physician during each annual exam lets you learn more about your body and the best way to take care of it.

What is the difference between Annual physical and Medicare Annual Wellness?

 

Medicare Annual Wellness	Category	Annual Physical
Holistic health risk assessment	Assessment	General physical assessment
One on one detailed discussion	Duration	Brief discussion 10 -20 mins
Assessments plus additional screenings if necessary	Scope	Routine measurement Height, Weight, BMI
Personalized preventive plan	Personalization	No personalized prevention plan
Covered by Medicare	Insurance	Covered by private payer
Telehealth platforms	Method	In-person only
Risk identification and prevention	Objective	Identify physical issues