Did you know that many serious health issues might not show
any symptoms until it’s too late? A
person with high blood pressure, for example, might feel completely normal, but
is running a very high risk of developing cardiovascular disease and having a
heart attack. A person could be on the brink of developing or already have a
potentially deadly illness like heart attack, stroke, or even certain types of
cancers or sexually transmitted infections but still feel totally fine. That’s why health specialists recommend an
annual physical examination whether you feel sick or not.
Annual physicals may vary from doctor to doctor, but most
physicians try to check all the body’s systems during an exam. This means examining the skin, listening to
the heart and lungs, feeling for abnormalities in abdominal organs and lymph
nodes, and testing vision, reflexes and neurological response time. Often times the examination of these systems
by a doctor is supplemented with laboratory work in the form of blood and urine
tests. Common blood work can measure
blood count, electrolyte, blood glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels,
and thyroid function. Routine sexually transmitted disease tests, check
for HIV, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes and hepatitis B and C.
A urine test might also be used to measure kidney function. The doctor will also go over your
immunization record and may update you on any necessary vaccines. Results of
blood work and urine tests may take 3-5 business days, and a doctor or nurse will
call you with those results once they are processed. Depending on the office, blood work and
immunizations may cost additional fees, so talk to your receptionist or doctor beforehand
if you have concerns.
One of the most important things to remember before going to
your physical exam is that an accurate medical history is a critical component
of an effective physical. Before your appointment,
be sure you know the facts about your own and your family’s medical history, as
certain illnesses like high blood pressure and cholesterol, heart attack and breast cancer can be genetically
predisposed. Your personal surgical
history, as well as knowledge of any medications, supplements, or herbs you are
taking, is important as well, so write them down and bring the list with you if
you’re afraid you’ll forget. If you’re
going to a new doctor, try to get a copy of your old medical and immunization
records to make the process easier. Most
importantly, remember to be honest with your internist. Questions about
mental health, sexual activity, smoking and drinking habits, and use of illicit
substances all provide important information to your health care provider about
how to best take care of you, so tell
the truth, even if you feel embarrassed.
Most insurance companies cover annual exams, as preventative
medicine is easier and less expensive for them, too! But even if you don’t have health insurance,
you should still try and get a physical annually or screening for HIV, as it can save you a lot of medical bills in the
long run! Many walk in clinics around the country have affordable preventative
healthcare even for people without insurance, so check out clinics in your area
for possible options.
If you’re in New York City and it’s time for your annual
physical exam, stop by the Physical Exam Center of New York, and be on your way
to better health. Annual Physical Exam is affordable and convenient. Even if you don’t have insurance, you can
make a same-day, evening, or Saturday appointment, or just walk in to our
Midtown Manhattan location. You can even
book online through the web check-in at primary care doctor.
