True or false: You should only make a primary care appointment when you’re sick and need care.
It may seem true, since most doctor’s appointments focus on treating illness or injury, but the answer is actually false.
Even when you’re not sick or injured, it’s important to see your primary care provider (PCP) at least once a year. This is for an annual physical (also called an annual checkup or wellness visit).
An annual physical is an examination of your overall health. It’s not a test that you can pass or fail. It’s a way for PCPs to find and treat health problems before they become serious or deadly. It also gives them a chance to monitor ongoing health issues.
Annual physicals are considered “preventive care” because they help prevent illness or injury. Most insurance plans cover preventive care services up to 100%. There may be some exceptions, but usually, you don’t have to pay a copayment or meet a deductible for this type of appointment.
A copayment is the amount of money that a patient with health insurance pays for a service. A deductible is a specified amount of money that a patient must pay before the insurance provider will cover a service.
What happens during an annual physical?
The specifics depend on your age, gender, and medical history. Annual physicals usually include the following:
Health History. The PCP will want to discuss any new developments or changes in your health or life. They may ask about medications, diet, exercise, stress levels, and sleep. This helps them understand how to support your health needs and goals. Use this time to ask questions and bring up concerns.
Vital Signs. The PCP will check your vital signs. This includes weight, temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. These offer clues into the state of your health. They help the PCP know whether you’re at risk for health conditions like high blood pressure.
Physical Exam. The PCP will listen to your lungs and heart. They will look in your eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. They will feel your lymph nodes and examine your skin. They may conduct a breast or pelvic exam. They will also test your motor functions and reflexes.
Lab Tests. The PCP may order laboratory tests. This involves getting your blood drawn or giving a urine sample. These tests may measure your blood sugar, cholesterol, electrolyte, and/or vitamin levels. Let your PCP know how you want to receive the lab results. It could be a phone call from the staff, a telehealth visit, or posting them to your electronic health record.
Screenings. The PCP will discuss recommended health screenings for you. These recommendations are usually based on your age, family history, and other risk factors. For women, this may include mammograms to detect breast cancer and pap smears to detect cervical cancer. For men, this may include a testicular and prostate exam.
Immunizations. The PCP will want to make sure you are up to date with immunizations like your flu shot. This may also include vaccinations for COVID-19, pneumonia, tetanus, measles, mumps, whooping cough, meningitis, polio, shingles, chickenpox, and diphtheria.
How do I get the most out of my annual physical?
Prepare for your appointment by gathering the following items:
- Copies of medical records (dating back at least one year)
- Family history of disease
- List of current medications, vitamins, and supplements
- Allergies to medications
- List of questions or concerns
Remember that you are in charge of your health. Don’t be afraid to speak up if you disagree or don’t understand. It’s OK to say, “I’m not following you. Can you explain it another way?” or “Can you help me understand what this means for my health?” It can help to take notes or bring someone with you for support.
It’s OK to discuss personal issues about your mental health or sexual health. Doctor’s offices are a safe space and judgement-free zone. Tell them if you can’t afford your prescriptions. Tell them if you aren’t getting enough food or don’t have a place to live. Tell them if you’re experiencing abuse. The staff will have resources that can help, and your privacy is protected by law.
Where can I find a PCP in my area?
Finding the right PCP can be tricky if you don’t know where to look, but you’ve come to the right place. MediFind’s Find a Doctor database helps you search for providers by condition, specialty, or name.
To search for PCPs in your area:
- Visit MediFind’s Primary Care Doctor Directory.
- Select your state.
- Next, select your city. This will pull up a page of the best primary care doctors in your city.
- Use the filter on the left-side to customize your search results. You can search for a provider by specialty, distance, gender, years of experience, and whether they’re accepting new patients.
Keep in mind that PCPs are also called “General Practitioners” or “Family Medicine Doctors.” A PCP may be a physician (MD or DO), a physician assistant (PA), or a nurse practitioner (NP).
Before scheduling a visit, call and ask the office if they’re in network with your insurance plan. Then, double-check by calling your insurance provider to confirm. This may help you avoid unexpected charges.
Read our article How to Find A Good Doctor That Takes Your Insurance for more information.
