Annual Physical Exam Specialist

What is an annual physical exam?

At Valdosta Family Medicine Associates, P.C., annual physical exams are yearly general wellness checkups designed to maintain your health. 

Some employers, schools, insurance companies, and other people or places may require an annual physical exam to verify and maintain your health. 

What happens during an annual physical exam?

The team customizes annual physical exams for your situation. They also offer Medicare, sports, Department of Transportation (DOT), employee, and other types of physicals geared for your needs. 

All patients generally have the following during their annual physical:

• Medical history review 
• Family medical history review
• Vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, heart rate)
• Eye, ear, nose, and throat check
• Heart and lung check using a stethoscope
• Abdomen check to look for abnormalities 
• Skin check
• Reflex check
• Preventive laboratory tests (e.g., high cholesterol, diabetes, and other conditions)

Depending on your sex, age, and personal requirements, you may need a Pap smear, breast exam, bone scan, colon cancer screening, prostate exam, electrocardiogram (EKG), stress test, pulmonary function test, or other tests as well. 

When will I know the results of my annual physical exam?

With most annual physical exams, you get results that same day because Valdosta Family Medicine Associates, P.C., has an on-site lab as well as other advanced equipment like X-ray, ultrasound, and cardiac testing in the office.  

Your medical team views the test results and discusses them with you at the end of your appointment. If you need treatment or additional testing, they can schedule the tests at that time. 

Thanks to their comprehensive medical model, you don't need to leave the premises to undergo necessary tests and get results.

What are the benefits of an annual physical exam?

An annual physical exam helps you to prevent and diagnose medical problems early, rather than seeking treatment only after they happen. For instance, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart disease are usually symptomless in their early stages. 

But, during an annual physical exam, the team can identify risk factors and diagnose disease before it's severe. Then, you can take the right steps to preserve your health and stop progression before you suffer widespread damage.

Another reason that annual physicals are so beneficial is that they give you time with your medical care provider. It's a great chance to ask about new health issues, discuss your concerns, and plan a healthy future. 

Valdosta Family Medicine Associates, P.C., stays open through lunch and many providers work until 6pm to make annual physical exams convenient for you. Call the office or use the online scheduler.