Visit Your Primary Care Doctor for a Physical Exam

Regular physical examinations from your primary care physician (PCP) are crucial to maintaining good health. These exams provide an opportunity to check in on general health and give the patient a space to bring up any health concerns. In addition, they make it possible to detect diseases early on, leading to an easier, faster, and more effective treatment. These are just a few of the benefits you can expect when visiting your PCP for a physical.

What is a physical exam?

A physical exam, also known as a doctor’s visit, allows them to check the patient’s general health. A primary care doctor — such as a general practitioner (GP or family physician), nurse practitioner (NP), or even a physician assistant (PA) — will carry out the exam. The goal is to ensure there are no health concerns or, if there are, to catch and treat them before they progress. In order to achieve this, a physical exam typically involves:

• Taking vital signs
• Checking weight and height
• Examining the ears, eyes, nose, and mouth
• Listening to the heart and lungs
• Discussing healthy diet and exercise
• Asking about mental health

Regardless of gender and pregnancy status, the PCP will also assess the patient’s reproductive health. For those with a male reproductive system, this may involve a prostate and genital exam. As for patients with a female reproductive system, the PCP may conduct a pelvic exam, pap smear, and breast exam. These checks are not generally needed every year (for example, pap smears are recommended every three years for healthy patients under 30).

Additional tests

As mentioned, the doctor will ask if they need to check on any additional health concerns the patient has. This can range from chronic pain and allergies to a potential disease. If necessary, the PCP may refer the patient to a specialist, such as an oncologist. The PCP may also order lab tests, such as blood work, to ensure the health of the liver and kidneys, look at sodium levels, and more. Testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) may be recommended as well.

Immunizations

The PCP will ensure the patient is up to date with their immunizations. If not, the patient can receive any vaccines during the appointment or schedule it for a later date. Some patients may not know their immunization record or have an incomplete record. In these cases, they can request lab tests to check for their level of immunity against the virus in question. Then, the PCP can make recommendations regarding immunizations.

How often should you get a physical?

Many patients find annual physicals helpful in maintaining their health. This allows the patient to get the most out of their physical. If these exams are spaced too far apart, the primary care doctor and lab tests may not be able to catch a health condition in its early stages. The longer any condition is left untreated, the worse it is liable to get.

That said, depending on age, sex, and health status, the doctor may recommend a physical every few years instead of yearly. Patients unsure whether they need an annual physical should ask their doctor for advice.

How to prepare for a physical exam

While a physical exam is comprehensive in and of itself, there is not much preparation to do beforehand. Patients do not need to fast. If a lab test requires fasting, it will be scheduled for a later date. The only physical preparation that is needed is to get a good night’s rest, stay hydrated, and eat a meal before the appointment. It can help to wear comfortable clothes that can be easily removed, such as to take one’s blood pressure.

There are, however, some clerical preparations to make. These include the following:

• Check with the patient’s insurance provider to ensure that the doctor is covered under their health insurance plan
• Make sure the patient has enough time off work or school to complete the appointment
• Gather any important medical records, such as immunization records, and bring them to the doctor’s office
• Bring a form of state-issued ID, proof of insurance, and form of payment
• If possible, fill out patient forms at home

Schedule your physical today

Whether you are looking to get an annual physical, need a physical after a few years of not seeing a doctor, or would like to schedule your first physical exam, we can help. Our team at People First Urgent & Primary Care Germantown offers physical exams to patients in Germantown and the surrounding areas. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Request an appointment here: https://peoplefirsturgentcaretn.com or call People First Urgent & Primary Care Germantown at (901) 257-3077 for an appointment in our Germantown office.

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