Annual Checkups
ANNUAL CHECKUPS
An Annual Check up visit, also called annual physical is focused on detecting health conditions before they appear. You can discuss any doubts or questions on your health, and receive health advice from your primary care provider.
The annual exam is an extensive exam compared to other office visits. It is performed by one of our Board Certified Doctors. They will ask about your current lifestyle including sleeping, eating and exercise habits, and perform a complete physical examination. After that, they will explain to you what habits should be changed and how to keep your body in good health.
What can I expect from the annual physical exam?
This visit has several stages. Initially, a medical assistant welcomes you. Then they will update your complete personal information. You will be asked about:
- Your medical and family history.
- Your overall health, needs and doubts.
- If you are a woman, your reproductive history, such as your last menstrual flow, pregnancies, last pap smear, and use of contraceptives.
- They will make a list of your current medications, and a list of the doctors who have attended you, both specialists and other medical care providers.
It is very important to be honest and open: doctors are your best friends when it comes to health counseling.
We will ask you about your diet, lifestyle habits, sexual history, tobacco use and alcohol drinking. These habits have a direct impact on your current and future health.
We will ask you about your diet, lifestyle habits, sexual history, tobacco use and alcohol drinking. These habits have a direct impact on your current and future health.
Remember: healthcare providers will not judge you; they will help you to correct those habits that put your health at risk. We will also make specific questionnaires looking for risk for memory loss, dementia, depression, anxiety and stress.
What will the doctor do if there is something wrong?
What will the doctor do if there is something wrong?
We may order blood tests or prescribe specific treatments based on your answers and physical findings. We will also discuss with you:
- A complete health screening schedule according to your profile.
- Education on health topics based on your risk factors.
- Lifestyle changes and healthy tips for the prevention of the most common conditions.
- The need for a follow-up visit.
In addition to that, you can ask your provider anything you want to know at any moment of the visit! What are screening tests and which ones do I need?
Health screenings are tests to early detect health issues. They are important for all people and vary according to age, gender and lifestyle.
Adults should have yearly screenings for obesity, including a nutritional status assessment. Depending on the findings and familiar history, screening tests for heart disease including high cholesterol and blood sugar should be done every three years. Sexually transmitted infections should also be screened based on sexual habits.
Besides, cancer screenings should be performed, particularly those for colorectal, breast and cervical cancer. If doctors think you need other screening tests, they will inform you and explain their importance.