Annual Physical
Participating in an annual physical is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your physical health and well-being. An annual physical exam presents an opportunity to undergo important screenings and can also alert you to potentially serious health problems. At Coastal Medical Group in Webster and Houston, Texas, the board-certified physicians regularly offer annual physicals for men and women. To request your consultation, call the office nearest you or click the online booking tool today.
Annual Physical Q & A
An annual physical is a routine medical procedure your primary care physician performs to check in on your overall health.
Also known as wellness checks, annual physicals present an opportunity to ask your doctor questions about your health and discuss any problems you’ve noticed.
There are many different tests your doctor might recommend during an annual physical. Your doctor might recommend specific screening procedures based on your age and health history.
The team at Coastal Medical Group provides comprehensive annual physical exams for adults of all ages.
An annual physical helps your primary care physician determine your general health status. The exam also presents an opportunity to talk about any pain or ongoing symptoms you’re experiencing as a result of specific health problems.
Everyone should participate in a physical at least once a year, especially if you’re over the age of 50. During an annual physical, your Coastal Medical Group provider:
- Checks for possible diseases
- Updates your immunizations
- Identifies issues that may lead to more serious health problems in the future
- Ensures you’re eating healthily and exercising regularly
An annual physical also presents an opportunity to build a stronger relationship with your primary care physician. During your annual physical, your doctor also checks your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
To prepare for your annual physical, take the time to gather any important paperwork that can provide your doctor with insights about your general health. This includes:
- A list of medications you’re currently taking
- A list of any symptoms you’re experiencing
- Your medical and surgical history
- Results from any recent or relevant tests
If you have a pacemaker or defibrillator, you should also bring your device card with you.
Before meeting with your primary care physician, a nurse asks you a series of questions about your medical history, including any allergies you have or prescription medications you’re taking.
Your nurse also asks you questions about your lifestyle habits, such as how often you exercise and if you use tobacco or alcohol.
Next, your primary care physician does an exam, looking for any unusual growths or marks on your skin. Your doctor also asks you to lay down and feels your abdomen and other organs inspecting their size, location, and consistency.
Afterward, your primary care physician listens to your heart with a stethoscope, checks your reflexes, and measures your height and weight; the entire process usually takes 60-90 minutes.
If it’s been more than a year since your last annual physical, make an appointment at Coastal Medical Group today by calling the office nearest you or by clicking the online booking tool.