The annual wellness exam, which is often also called an annual physical, is when your primary care physician (PCP) checks how well your mind and body are functioning. The exam focuses on disease prevention as well as addressing existing problems.
The doctor will check your bloodwork, height, weight, and blood pressure. The wellness examination also includes a head, neck, lung, abdominal, and neurological check.
Let’s talk about what you can expect before, during, and after your annual wellness checkup.
Do I Need to Do Anything Before My Wellness Exam?
Your doctor’s office may send you a form beforehand with a list of questions to have completed and ready for your visit. This way, during the visit, the physician will have a full understanding of your health profile.
You may be asked to fast after midnight before your checkup. You may also be asked to provide a urine sample while there in the facility, which is accomplished with complete privacy.
What Happens During a Wellness Exam?
During your initial wellness exam, your doctor will record your own medical history, your family’s medical history, past illnesses, current medications, and any previous or current treatment plans.
It’s crucial that you provide all details in the information you provide your doctor. Do not be embarrassed to share anything; you will not be “judged” by the doctor. The usefulness of your wellness exam will depend on full disclosure to your physician.
Comprehensive Review of Your Current Medication
Your wellness care provider will also review all types of medications and supplements you are taking, including over-the-counter and prescription medicines as well as vitamins and herbal supplements. The doctor will ensure that there are no potential negative interactions when they are taken together.
Wellness Plan and Medical Input
After the exam, your wellness provider will be able to provide you with your current health status and give you any feedback and health advice. For example, if you want or need to lose weight, the physician can give you a diet plan to follow. If you need advice on lowering your stress levels, the doctor may prescribe or recommend medications or therapeutic measures
During your annual wellness visit, you are afforded a lot of time to ask questions about your health and more. It’s imperative to make the most of your wellness visit by being ready for it, because this checkup only happens once a year for many people.
Remember to be honest with the doctor. Are you developing a dependency on a drug? Would you like to lose weight or cut down on your smoking or drinking? Your wellness care provider is there to be your partner in total health and wellness, so go into your wellness exam with that mentality.
Family Doctor in Dearborn, Michigan
Your wellness matters to Dr. Sham Maghout-Juratli. She is a family physician who performs annual wellness checkups, provides immunizations, and communicates with all specialists who her patients see in order to compile a full health profile for each patient. Our medical team’s goal is to help you achieve and maintain optimal wellness.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sham, call us today at (313) 451-8253. You may also request an appointment online now. We look forward to seeing you here!
