What is a physical?
Physicals are an important part of your general preventive care checkup. Physicals can also be used to evaluate a specific medical concern. Physical exams are recommended annually.
Physicals are focused on improving and assessing your overall wellness and involve reviewing your personal and family medical histories, an in-depth discussion about your health and good health practices, a physical assessment, any necessary testing, and plenty of time to address concerns and answer questions. Physicals can also help you maintain a good provider-patient relationship.
Best Choice Primary Care provides annual physicals for adults and children.
Why would I need a physical?
Your provider might recommend a physical to:
- Check for possible diseases
- Update any necessary vaccinations
- Ensure you’re maintaining a healthy lifestyle with balanced nutrition and frequent exercise
- Detect any problems that might develop into health complications
Your provider might also perform a physical exam before you’re sent for surgery or prior to treatments for certain medical conditions. Best Choice Primary Care also offers school and sports physicals.
How can I prepare for my physical?
To prepare for your physical, you should collect paperwork or information to demonstrate:
- Your symptoms or where you’re experiencing pain
- Your current medications
- Any recent and relevant test results
- Your medical and surgical history
- The names and contact information of doctors you’ve visited recently
You should wear comfortable clothing and avoid excess jewelry or makeup that might interfere with your physical.
What does a physical involve?
A physical usually starts with an in-depth discussion of your health and the available services at Best Choice Primary Care.
Your physical involves a quick assessment of your pulse, weight, and height, along with a brief inspection of your body to check for any unusual marks or growths.
Your provider might test your reflexes and examine your abdomen and other areas of your body, checking the size, consistency, texture, location, and tenderness of your individual organs. Your provider might use the percussion technique and gently tap on your body like a drum to assess organs and fluids.
They usually use a stethoscope — a special instrument designed to listen to certain body parts, such as your lungs or intestines and your heart rhythm, to evaluate how well your heart is functioning.
Your Best Choice Primary Care provider might recommend blood work to check your blood sugar levels, your cholesterol, and other key factors that can help to reveal a current and accurate picture of your overall health and identify certain diseases, such as anemia or diabetes.
Don’t miss your preventive care physical. Call Best Choice Primary Care or book online today.
