![]() ![]() In this instance, your primary care physician may refer you to a specialist. Sometimes your doctor may identify something that needs further testing or treatment. Some conditions can have a genetic component, like certain cancers, which may prompt your doctor to monitor you more closely. For example, if you have a family history of high blood pressure or high cholesterol, your doctor may test you more often or offer some preventative care advice. ![]() Your family doctor may pay closer attention to certain symptoms, or run more specific tests if you have a family history of a condition. Do I need to see a specialist? Does my family history put me at risk? These are some of the more common tests, but every patient is different. A BMP for electrolytes and metabolic panel.A mammogram for breast cancer screening.A colonoscopy to check for colon cancer.“Depending on age, sex, chronic illness, and recently completed labs, a clinician may order the following tests,” says Ikeman: Your healthcare provider may order additional blood tests or screenings based on age and risk factors for certain conditions. “Unfortunately the three most common chronic conditions we see are high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and most have no symptoms so people think they are fine,” says Jeffrey Gold, MD, primary care provider at Gold Direct Care in Massachusetts. Annual physical exams can catch problems that are just starting before they progress, or that a patient may not be aware of while there’s still time for preventive services. Do I need any additional screening tests?Ī physical examination is a chance for your healthcare provider to examine you, run some laboratory tests, answer questions, and generally make sure everything is in working order. “It gives the physician the opportunity to share updated guidelines with their patient,” Dr. This appointment is a chance to update info on both sides of the exam table. It’s a time for you to update your medical record and contact information, and to refill prescriptions, according to Natalie Ikeman, a physician’s assistant at Hennepin Healthcare’s Golden Valley Clinic in Minneapolis. “Patients should expect time with their physician to discuss their overall health and wellness including recent illness since their last visit, diet/exercise habits, and preventative measures such as vaccines and screening examinations,” says Dr. ![]() Your answers can help inform if the nagging health issue is something to worry about, or not. Then ask additional questions to find out what other factors might be influencing your health, such as: your medical history, family medical history, your lifestyle and habits, personal stresses, and your drug, alcohol, and tobacco use. Your healthcare provider will do an exam to measure basic vital signs: height, weight, blood pressure, and heart rate. Your annual physical exam is your chance to find out if that new symptom is something you should worry about, or just a regular part of your age or lifestyle-whether it’s a mole, new anxious feelings, or a change in your sleep patterns. When you’re at your appointment, write down anything you’ll need to remember later, such as vitamin recommendations or follow up appointment dates. It’s easy to forget what you wanted to say once you’re sitting on the table, so having a list to refer to will keep you on track. We’ve all walked into an exam room and had our minds go blank. Just make sure you’ve written down your questions before you head to your appointment. When should I come back for another visit?.What can I do to stay healthy in the future?.Do I need any additional screenings or tests?.8 questions to ask a doctor at a checkupĪt a loss for what to ask? These basic ones might help get you started, and make you realize your yearly visit is more valuable than you thought: “ give the patient time to speak with their physician, vocalize any concerns they may have regarding their health, and set and check in on health goals,” says Gabrielle Samuels, DO, a physician at Summit Medical Group in New Jersey. Think of these appointments “tune ups” for your body. But everyone should get an annual physical exam, even healthy people. Many people avoid booking the appointment every year because they’re too busy, don’t have anything wrong, or aren’t sure what to ask a doctor. This routine visit with your healthcare provider goes by many names-and all of them can invoke a sense of dread. ![]()
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