An annual study from the CDC states that heart disease and cancer remain the leading causes of mortality for both men and women in the United States, with millions more being affected by illnesses like diabetes and stroke. Many of these diseases and disorders may be avoided in addition to being treated. A yearly checkup with your doctor might help you avoid many of these issues. When gauging your general health, the CDC recommends that you be screened for several illnesses listed there as part of your yearly physical. Preparing for your annual physical Fullerton can give your doctor a complete picture of your health.
If you are a patient who wants to get the most out of your yearly exams, consider the following pointers.
Schedule an appointment
Get in touch with your primary care physician to set up a physical examination. Insurance companies may refer to primary care physicians as “health care providers,” so if you don’t already have one, you may get a list of local options by calling your insurer.
Fasting before a physical
Be sure to inquire whether fasting is required before your scheduled medical examination. Most people won’t need to, but if your doctor intends to collect lab work during your checkup, you may want to.
Know your meds
While you may be familiar with your medication as “that little yellow pill,” there are likely hundreds of other small yellow tablets for dozens of other medical conditions. The medication’s name and dose must be recorded carefully. In doing so, you aid your doctor in avoiding the possibility of medication interactions. You should bring all your prescriptions, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, and minerals, in their original containers to your visit, even if the list appears too big and confusing. It will help your doctor keep track of your drug use and determine whether a refill is necessary. Keep a card in your wallet or handbag listing your prescriptions, how often you take them, and the dosages.
Organize your medical history
Before most medical exams, patients must fill out a medical history form to provide the doctor with the most current information possible. Before you go in, it is a good idea to go through your family’s and your medical records. Ensure that your former primary care physician’s office sends your medical records to your new doctor’s office well before your appointment. It is helpful to have a record of your care history to go back to when determining what you may need in the future. You may learn much about your health and possible problems by examining your medical history.
Rest assured that your wellness visit will be kept private
Your doctor may ask you in-depth questions designed to help them evaluate your health from head to toe. Patients may feel awkward discussing sensitive topics, including urine incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and domestic abuse. Your doctor’s goal is to make you healthy, so don’t worry that they will think your worries are silly. You can get the most out of your visit with your family doctor about your current and future health if you study this material the day before your scheduled physical.
If you want your doctor to be able to make informed judgments about what to check for and how to treat you, you need to provide them with all the information they will need before your physical. Similarly, a yearly checkup is an ideal opportunity to ask any questions about your health and get the answers.
