Ask the Doctor:
Preventative care and health assessment every year
Q
Do I really need to have an annual exam by my doctor? Why is this so important? A: Victor Catania, MD Often we believe we only need to visit the doctor’s office when we’re not feeling well. However when you visit your health care provider for an annual exam you’re taking care of your health now and in the future by understanding care specific to you and any health risks you may not even be aware of. Purpose of your annual exam An annual exam is a thorough and comprehensive physical examination which includes skin checks, hernia assessment and other pertinent physical examinations. With this information, your health care provider will establish a baseline level of your health and physical capabilities. This is important should you become ill as it allows your provider a comparison to your health before your illness. Your provider will also offer information and education on how to be the best version of yourself you can be. This also means making sure you are up-to-date on your health maintenance and taking any medications correctly. Preventative care An annual exam not only reviews your current health status but also allows you an opportunity to discuss concerns with your health care provider. It also allows your provider an opportunity to educate and counsel you about age and gender specific preventative care measures you should consider and advise you of potential risks to your health.
For instance, your provider may order preventative tests such as mammography and colon cancer screenings, order blood work to determine a variety of things like blood glucose levels which can indicate diabetes, or cholesterol levels which can impact your heart. Your provider also may recommend needed vaccines. There are adult vaccines that take into account not just age, but lifestyle behaviors and past medical history. Your health care provider will assess what your personal medical history means with regard to your vaccination status. Your history matters You should expect a comprehensive review of your medical, social, family, and surgical medical histories. There will be a review and reconciliation of any medications you might have taken, are currently taking or should consider taking. An annual exam is 90-percent similar for both men and women. There are a handful of screenings and physical examinations that are different with respect to when they are done or if they are done at all. In general, your provider is looking to ensure that your personal health maintenance is current, and if not, to discuss this with you further. For men, this may mean discussing prostate screenings as well as an abdominal aorta aneurysm screening. For women, this may mean discussing mammography, a pelvic examination, and Pap test for cervical cancer. Your provider will discuss any screenings or tests in more detail at the time of your visit. Your annual exam is an excellent time to discuss your overall health with your provider, so be sure to schedule your next appointment with your health care provider today.
Victor Catania, MD, is the Assistant Medical Director for LVPG–Pocono family medicine and practices at Mountain Healthcare Center at Tobyhanna. He is board-certified in family medicine and a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians.