If I’m Healthy Do I Still Need to Have an Annual Wellness Exam?

It’s time for your annual physical again, but you feel healthy and don’t have any obvious symptoms. Do you still need to go to this appointment? Read on to find out.

You see the notification pop up for your annual wellness exam and you think, “I’m pretty healthy and I haven’t had any problems for a while — can’t I just skip this one?”

At Phillips Family Medical, where board-certified family nurse practitioner Pamela Phillips and our team provide primary care to our patients, our answer is a resounding no, you may not skip the appointment. When you’re feeling healthy is actually the perfect time for a wellness checkup

Here’s why.

What is an annual wellness exam?

An annual wellness checkup, exam, or physical, is a preventive measure designed to check up on your current health as well as identify and treat any health issues before they become serious.

The visit gives your provider an opportunity to monitor any existing conditions you have and adjust your medications as necessary. Plus, you have a chance to mention any health concerns or questions you have, including symptoms that may seem minor but have been nagging you.

In addition, we’ll look for any signs of new problems that you may not notice, but that we’ve been trained to spot. Visiting regularly (especially while you’re healthy) gives your provider a baseline so that if a problem is developing the next time you visit, it will be easier to spot.

Catching health issues early, while they’re small, can often save you from costly, painful, and time-intensive treatments in the future. Plus, developing a trusting relationship with your provider will serve you well when you do need to deal with an actual health issue.

What will the exam consist of?

While annual wellness exams may vary a little from provider to provider, you should notice the same basic elements no matter who you see. You’ll usually start with your health history — any conditions you currently have, medications you’re taking, any new symptoms or problems you’ve noticed, your family history of disease, etc.

Your provider will also conduct a physical exam. This will probably include, but may not be limited to:

Checking your vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, temperature
Getting your height and weight
Observing your eyes, ears, nose, throat, and lymph nodes
Examining your skin
Checking your organ systems
Checking your reflexes
Doing an internal exam
Taking blood for lab work

You’ll also undergo or have tests ordered for any screenings you’re due for (such as a breast exam, colonoscopy, or cancer screenings).

If you have any other questions for your provider, this appointment is the perfect time to ask. There’s no pressure and you’re not dealing with a pressing problem, so you have time to talk about whatever concerns you may have and put together a preventive plan for your health in the days ahead.

If you’re due for a wellness exam, our team at Phillips Family Medical is here to help. Just call our DeSoto, Texas, office at 972-861-1151 or use our online scheduler to pick a time that works for you!