IIf you’re already going to the doctor’s office once a year for your annual checkup: good job. If you don’t, let this be a reminder to go ahead and make that appointment and maybe take away some of your anxiety about your check-up.

And yes, you should schedule an annual physical exam even if you feel relatively healthy. Assistant professor of medicine and primary care physician Dr. “Many of us only go to the doctor when we’re sick, but having a primary care doctor and annual exam is important,” says Heather Viola, MD. Mount Sinai Doctors-Ansonia in New York. “It’s important to establish a relationship with a physician you trust, and that starts with annual checkups.”

Here’s who should schedule an annual exam, what to expect at the appointment, and how you can ease the anxiety leading up to your annual exam.

Why should you have an annual physical exam?

Dr., a family medicine physician at Northwell Health Physician. One of the reasons doctors so strongly advocate annual exams is that they’re important for catching “silent” diseases early and treating them before they cause a bigger problem, Erika Kalabacas says. Partners in Greenlawn, NY She can describe numerous appointments during which she contracted high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, and even breast and skin cancer in the early and treatable stages.

Your annual physical exam is also important as a mental health screening tool. “Your mental health is a big part of your physical health, and that’s why we’ve included screenings for anxiety and depression in annual screenings,” says Kalabacas. Mental health issues are somewhat overlooked, Viola says, because they “may not otherwise be addressed or identified outside of routine visits.”

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Another important vital value measured and monitored at your annual physical exam is your weight. While Kalabacas acknowledges that this can be a sensitive topic for many people, she explains that by taking this measurement, your doctor can help determine if there are any underlying causes of weight issues, such as thyroid irregularities, medications, side effects, or hormonal changes due to menopause. . “Your primary care physician can discuss important diet and exercise recommendations, medications, or referrals to dietitians,” she says, emphasizing that it’s important to make every effort because obesity is on the rise and the leading cause of nearly all chronic diseases. to prevent it.

Doctors warn against skipping annual checkups just because you consider yourself healthy. Viola believes these annual visits, especially for young, healthy patients, are a great way to get to know your doctor better. It also allows your provider to get to know you so they can best help you stay healthy in the future, she says.

What happens at the annual physical exam?

These appointments, sometimes called “annual” or “annual physicals,” are crucial for monitoring your health and taking proactive steps to protect it. During the appointment, the primary care provider evaluates your overall health and chronic disease risk factors.

The visit, which lasts about 30 minutes, usually includes a blood draw, a physical exam by your doctor, an evaluation of your vital signs such as blood pressure and weight, and a review of your medical history and medications. Your doctor may also perform age-appropriate screening tests for certain cancers and administer vaccines when needed, as well as administer mental health surveys and provide you with resources, such as therapy referrals or medications to treat anxiety or depression, if needed. You will also have the chance to ask your doctor any questions you may have about your health.

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Physical examination isn’t just about uncovering new problems. Rather, annual exams are an important time to discuss preventative health: What you can do to stay healthy based on your individual risk factors and family history, Viola says. “By monitoring your health regularly, your doctor can detect and address changes in your health and take steps to prevent the development or worsening of chronic diseases,” he says.

“I generally recommend that everyone see their doctor for a wellness visit once a year,” says Viola. “You can talk to your doctor about how often he should see you. For most adults, this is once a year. “For some young, healthy adults, this may be less so.”

How to prepare for a physical exam

Kalabacas and Viola share that you should do the following before your physical exam.

What’s next after your exam?

Before you leave the office, there are some steps you can take to make the most of your visit. At the conclusion of your appointment, Viola recommends asking for a summary of the visit if it has not already been provided. “Ask your doctor to reiterate the instructions you should follow and make sure you agree,” he says.

He says people often don’t ask questions when their doctors are in front of them. Instead of this missed opportunity, advocate for yourself and don’t be afraid to do research, says Viola. “If you are concerned or confused about a diagnosis or recommended treatment, always ask your provider to explain why they chose this path,” she says.

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The last thing you should do before completing your physical exam is to ask for a referral if necessary. “If you want to see a specialist, ask your provider who they recommend. It can be really helpful to see a specialist with whom your primary care doctor works closely and who can improve the coordination of your care,” says Viola.

After the appointment is over, ask the front desk staff what the best way to contact your provider is if you have follow-up questions. Many doctors use an electronic health system where they share blood test results through a patient portal.

The timeline for receiving your lab results and having your doctor review them can be anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. “Most doctors will call or text you within a few days with their recommendations,” says Viola. “Ask your doctor what to expect regarding your results: ‘Should I expect a phone call for review?’ ‘Can you write me on the patient portal?’”

What should you do if you are concerned about your physical condition?

If you’re feeling anxious or nervous before your exam, you’re not alone. Both Viola and Kalabacas share that it’s common to be nervous about visiting your doctor, especially a new doctor. “But remember, they are here to help you,” says Viola.

To calm nerves, it can help to prepare a list of questions to “guide the appointment to your needs,” bring a friend or family member for support, and choose a primary care physician you’re comfortable with, says Kalabacas. (To that last point, Kalabacas says some of the best referrals to primary care providers come from loved ones; Zocdoc is another great option for finding a local doctor who accepts your insurance.)

“The most important thing is to show up. We know it’s hard, and we do our best to make you feel comfortable,” says Kalabacas. “We’re here to educate and guide you; ultimately, you call the shots.”

The goal is to be more proactive rather than reactive about your health. “You should feel empowered when you know more about your health, because then you can control your health outcomes,” says Kalabacas.