Physical Exam.
The physical exam is an essential part of any doctor’s visit. Surprisingly, though, there are no absolutes in a routine physical. A good doctor may be thorough or brief, but they will spend time listening to your concerns and providing counseling for your particular complaints and risk factors. Your doctor can suggest preventive steps that may keep health problems at bay.
If you have a medical issue that doesn’t seem quite pressing enough to schedule an appointment, your annual physical can be a good time to bring it up. If you and your doctor catch a condition early and begin treatment, you’re likely to have a better outcome.
Where to get your health screening done
You might have your screening with a doctor, a physician’s assistant, or a nurse practitioner.
But what if you don’t have a primary care doctor, or a regular pediatrician for your child?
Some urgent care clinics offer annual screenings.
If you’re a college student, your university health service may offer annual exams. Some university health clinics offer exams even to nonstudents as a way to improve training for doctors.
A local internist or doctor in general practice might provide an annual exam even if you’re not a regular patient.
WebMD. (2009, July 02). Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/annual-physical-examinations
