Do You Really Need to Get an Annual Physical?
Depending on your medical history, health status, and lifestyle, an annual physical is necessary to monitor your health and get essential medical screenings, especially if you take medication or have a chronic condition. For healthy adults with no medical problems and within a healthy weight range, an annual physical is a preventive tool that can catch health problems before they develop.
At Midwest Regional Health Services, our primary care doctors and specialists offer a range of diagnostic and treatment options at our practice in Omaha, Nebraska.
Do you need an annual physical?
Is it really important to get an annual physical? An annual physical exam is the best tool for prevention and early detection. For the millions of Americans living with chronic and serious health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, chronic pain, hypertension, obesity, or mental health issues, regular checkups and health screenings are necessary to stay healthy and avoid potentially life-threatening complications.
Even if you don’t have any underlying health issues or a family history for a specific disease, annual physicals are still recommended to help you stay healthy. Depending on your age and medical history, you may need certain health screenings like bloodwork, a cholesterol check, and women’s or men’s health screenings.
Our primary care physicians will create a preventive care or chronic disease treatment and management plan that works for your specific healthcare needs.
If you haven’t been to the doctor in a few years, are overweight, smoke, or have recently reached a milestone birthday (over 40), an annual exam is highly recommended.
What to expect at an annual physical exam
Annual physical exams cover basic health screenings and discussion of any symptoms you may be experiencing at the time of your appointment, but they are customized to address your specific medical needs.
Some of the basics of an annual physical exam include:
- A detailed medical history if it’s your first appointment at Midwest Regional Health Services
- Diagnostic testing and vital signs checkup (blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, urine analysis, and bloodwork, if necessary)
- Eye exam
- Balance and reflex check
- Skin cancer screening
- Abdominal exam
- Men’s and women’s health check
- Blood sugar screening
- Hormone level check
If you have health problems or are taking prescription medication, you may need to get checkups and certain health screenings more frequently. A primary care physician who’s familiar with your medical history and medical needs can help you stay on track.
For more information about getting an annual physical and other primary care services available at Midwest Regional Health Services, call us today at 402-230-7945 to schedule an appointment with one of our primary care providers. You can also request an appointment online.