Knowing what happens during an annual wellness visit can help you feel ready and make the most of it. Many people skip these visits or are unsure about what to expect. These visits are important, because they help catch and prevent serious health problems early.
An annual wellness visit is not the same as a sick visit or a physical exam. These preventive check-ups are usually covered by insurance, so you do not have to pay for them. The focus is on your overall health, identifying risks, and planning ways to stay healthy.
1. Getting Ready for Your Visit
Before your appointment, collect key health details. Make a list of all the medications you take, including how much and how often. Do not forget to include over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements.
Write down any health problems or symptoms you have noticed since your last visit. Note when they started and what makes them better or worse.
Also, prepare a list of questions you want to ask. You might want to ask about:
- Medication side effects
- Lifestyle tips
- Recommended screenings
- Referrals to specialists
2. Starting with Basic Checks
Your visit will begin with simple measurements and vital signs, usually done by a medical assistant. They will check your height and weight to figure out your body mass index.
They will also measure your blood pressure to check your heart health, take your heart rate, and sometimes check your temperature.
Some offices may do extra tests at this stage, like checking your vision, hearing, or balance.
3. Reviewing Your Health History
Your provider will go over your medical history in detail. They will ask about any new health issues, changes in existing conditions, or symptoms you have noticed.
They will also ask about your family’s medical history, like health problems your relatives have had.
Your provider will talk about your lifestyle, too, such as whether you smoke or drink. Your diet and exercise level also play a part. They might also ask about your home life, work, and stress levels.
Mental health is also part of this discussion. Your provider may ask about your mood, sleep habits, and how you handle stress.
4. Physical Exam Overview
Your provider will check your overall appearance and different body systems based on your age, gender, and health.
Head, Eyes, Ears, Nose, and Throat
They will check for issues in your head and neck, including:
- Vision changes
- Ear infections
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Thyroid problems
Heart and Blood Vessels
Your provider will listen to your heart for irregular sounds and check your legs and pulse for circulation issues.
Lungs
They will listen to your breathing and check for lung or breathing problems.
Abdomen
Your provider will gently press on your stomach to check for tenderness or lumps and listen to bowel sounds.
Skin
They will examine your skin for moles, rashes, or other issues. They may focus on areas exposed to the sun or with past problems.
5. Preventive Screenings
Your provider will recommend screening tests based on different factors.
Cancer Screenings
They will discuss diagnostic tests to help screen you for cancer. Your provider might also explain tips for skin cancer prevention and how to perform self-checks. Extra tests may be suggested if you have higher risks.
Heart Health
Your provider may suggest tests to monitor your heart health. Some of these include:
- Cholesterol tests
- Blood pressure checks
- Stress tests
They might also provide tips for your heart health based on what you need and your lifestyle.
Bone Health
Bone density tests are important as you age, especially for women after menopause. Your provider may discuss:
- Calcium intake
- Vitamin D intake
- Ideal exercises
- Treatments for bone health
6. Immunization Updates
Your provider will review your vaccination history and recommend needed updates. Adult immunizations include:
- Annual flu shots
- Tetanus boosters
- Shingles vaccine
You may need to get newer vaccines as new advancements in medicine are made.
Your provider will consider your medical history and lifestyle when making vaccination recommendations. Some patients may need additional vaccines based on travel plans or health conditions.
7. Medication Review and Management
Your provider will carefully review all your current medications during the visit. They will check for drug interactions, appropriate dosages, and continued necessity for each medication.
This review includes discussing side effects that you may experience and whether less expensive alternatives exist. They may discontinue medications you no longer need or adjust dosages for better effectiveness.
Your provider will also review over-the-counter medications and supplements. Some of these products can interact with prescription medications or cause health problems in certain situations.
8. Lifestyle Counseling and Education
A significant portion of your visit will focus on lifestyle factors that affect your health. Your provider will discuss important parts of your lifestyle, such as:
- Nutrition
- Exercise
- Stress management
- Sleep habits
They will provide specific recommendations based on your current health status and goals. This might include referrals to a specialist, or they might provide resources for you to read.
9. Care Plan Development
Before ending your visit, your provider will create or update your personalized care plan. This plan outlines screenings, changes, and follow-ups.
They will explain when you need your next wellness visit and any appointments with specialists or for specific tests. The plan will also include contact information for questions or concerns.
Annual Wellness Visit in Sarasota, FL
Your annual wellness visit represents an investment in your future health and well-being. These appointments help catch problems early when treatment options work best and cost less.
Trust Intercoastal Medical Group for comprehensive, compassionate primary care during your wellness visits. Our experienced providers take time to understand your unique health needs and goals. Call the office of your provider or use our online appointment request form to schedule your wellness visit today.
The best PCP near you looks forward to serving you!
