Annual Physical

Is an annual check-up worth it?

The Benefits of an Annual Physical and How to Prepare

A lot of people don’t worry about seeing a doctor until they have an illness or injury that doesn’t seem to resolve on its own. Many believe they’re saving money by staying away from doctors when they don’t feel a need to be seen and that it’s pointless to have an exam when they’re not sick, but it’s often the opposite. You can lower the cost of your healthcare and improve your long-term health by building a relationship with a primary care provider and being prepared for your annual physicals.

Get to know your doctor and vice versa.

The importance of having a regular primary care provider cannot be overstated. When a doctor knows you and has a baseline of your health, it’s infinitely easier for him or her to identify potentially risky trends and changes. When you have a doctor you’re comfortable with, you’re much more likely to discuss concerns. This level of familiarity improves your care and can even help catch warning signs of chronic diseases. Today, nearly 45 million Americans are living with a chronic disease that they don’t know about. Common preventative and primary care services could save 100,000 lives in the United States every year just by diagnosing and treating conditions before they’re life-threatening. If you experience a sudden change in your health status, having a doctor who knows you and knows your medical history can expedite your treatment and potentially save your life.

The Two Most Common Chronic Diseases

You typically don’t have to go through a battery of tests to find out if you’re at risk or if you’re already living with a chronic disease. Two of the most common chronic diseases – diabetes and hypertension – can be detected with simple health screenings. Though they’re often seen simultaneously, either of these diseases can cause serious health risks and threaten your life if left untreated.

Disease Management

One out of every ten deaths is caused by chronic disease. If you are one of the 133 million Americans living with a chronic disease, management is key to your longevity and quality of life. It starts by being diagnosed by your primary care provider, which typically requires an appointment like an annual physical at a primary care medical center. Disease management continues with regular checkups to determine if your disease is progressing or being well-managed. This simple preventative care can keep you from being hospitalized down the road and can reduce your overall healthcare costs.

Lower the cost of your healthcare.

Over 75% of healthcare spending in the United States is the result of chronic diseases that could be avoided with preventive care like annual physicals. If you’re concerned about the cost of your primary care, you can take steps to minimize the out-of-pocket expenses at your appointment. Start by reviewing your health plan to make sure you understand how your coverage applies to an annual primary care checkup or physical. You can also call your doctor in advance to find out what tests or screenings you should be prepared for and request that your primary care provider not perform any tests that are not covered by your health plan. By taking steps to make primary care a part of your life, you can reduce your overall costs by eliminating the need for extensive treatment in the future.

How to Choose the Best Primary Care Physician for You

Start by finding out who’s in your network and who’s close enough for you to access easily. Many physicians will send you to a lab or imaging facility for certain procedures, so find out if those are accessible too. There is a difference between primary and urgent care, so make sure you’re searching for the right type of practice. Check the clinic’s hours if you’ll need to accommodate your work schedule. Ask how soon you can be seen. Discuss any special needs you might have with a nurse or receptionist and gauge your level of comfort interacting with the staff.

Checklist: How to Prepare for an Annual Physical with a New Doctor

·       Make a list of your health concerns or topics you want to discuss with your primary care provider.

·       Make a list of the medications you’re taking, including your dosage.

·       Get a copy of your medical records and your family medical history.

·       Make a list of your previous doctors.

·       Review your health plan to understand the costs you may need to cover.

·       Schedule your physical as soon as possible.