The largest part of good health lies in preventive care, and regular health check-ups are the best way to minimize risks and detect early health issues so you can get treatment. Most health insurance policies cover annual preventive tests at no cost to you. Here is what to expect when you schedule a visit with your primary care provider.
What Is a Health Check-up?
A health check-up is an annual or bi-annual visit to your primary care doctor. They perform a routine health screening and diagnostics tests to make sure you are in good health. If there are any unique risks you have, then they will follow-up with additional tests to make sure those are not causing any health problems.
For patients with underlying conditions, like diabetes, asthma, or heart disease, your health check-up can also include discussing your symptoms to ensure they are being properly managed.
The time between check-ups can vary based on factors such as your age, gender, underlying conditions, and family health risks. Some patients can benefit from seeing the doctor more than once a year. Those in good general health typically need a physical every one to three years.
Ask your doctor what schedule they recommend. Many diagnostics tests are best performed on an annual basis, especially as risks for certain diseases increase with age.
What You Can Expect at a Health Check-up
When you visit your primary care doctor for a check-up, they will assess your overall health first before focusing on specific conditions or concerns you have. A routine health exam can include:
- Medical History: The doctor or nurse will take your medical history, asking questions about your current wellbeing, any conditions you have, medications you take, past history, previous surgeries, and family health risks you may have.
- Vitals Assessment: The doctor will assess your vitals by listening to your heart and lungs, checking your blood pressure, blood oxygen level, and body temperature, and weight.
- Physical Exam: The doctor will examine your ear, nose, throat, eyes, and abdominal region, as well as your lymph nodes in your neck for any signs of swelling. The physical exam can also address any specific concerns you might have.
- Mental Health Screening: Your doctor may ask you questions about your mental health to screen for symptoms of depression. Your annual exam is also a good time to bring up other issues you may have, such as anxiety or disruptive mood swings.
Why You Need Regular Health Check-ups
Regular health check-ups are an important part of staying healthy. They allow you to bring up concerns with your doctor and address them in a timely manner. For those in good physical health, routine exams can catch issues before they have significant effects on your well-being. For those with chronic conditions or adults 50 and older, routine health exams are a good way to minimize risks and stay healthy.
Detect Health Issues Early
Preventative screenings and physical exams can help diagnose problems early. Finding problems before they become serious can prevent emotional and physical suffering as well as improve treatment outcomes. Simple screenings like blood pressure readings and cholesterol tests can help your doctor identify risks for common diseases and prescribe you accurate treatment.
Prevent Diseases
By assessing risk factors such as medical history, family history, and lifestyle, your doctor can help you prevent common and preventable diseases. In cases where they are not entirely avoidable, your physician can recommend treatment plans that lower your risks and help you take a proactive approach toward your health and wellness.
Monitor Existing Conditions
Patients who live with chronic conditions should receive ongoing care. Routine check-ups allow doctors and patients to note any progression of a disease and adjust treatment plans as needed to ensure you can continue living a high quality of life.
Update Immunizations and Vaccines
Thanks to the power of modern medicine, we can avoid many illnesses and prevent serious complications from viruses like COVID-19 and influenza. Patients also need regular updates to immunizations, and certain vaccines are recommended at different ages to help lower risks.
Health Check-Ups and Medical Insurance
Having insurance lowers the cost of healthcare. Most preventive exams and screenings are entirely covered at no added expense. Without insurance, patients have to pay out-of-pocket for everything, and the costs can vary drastically from one provider to another.
Without insurance, an annual physical could cost between $200 to $500. Additional fees will be added for bloodwork and additional tests.
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