Is your new years resolution to get your yearly check up? What does that really mean? Patients frequently say they are going to the doctor for a “check up”. Traditionally, it is called a PHYSICAL or an ANNUAL EXAM. A wellness exam has been used in pediatrics for years to check on developmental stages and vaccinations. With so many terms used to describe a physical, the question yet to be answered is, “what is the definition of an annual physical exam?”
Perhaps it is easier to tell you what it is not. It is not for many a satisfying experience of having some quality one-on-one time with their PCP. It is not a time to list every lingering problem they have had over the year. It is not an exam to achieve optimal health and wellness.
A true physical examination was developed to test the body systems when you are HEALTHY, an opportunity to create a baseline in an effort to monitor how well you maintain your body year after year. Not understanding this concept in full, many patient’s want the best “bang for their buck”, so to speak, and schedule a physical when they are not feeling well and want to get a check up. The majority of dissatisfaction in the current healthcare system is related to receiving good quality time with a trusted professional healthcare provider.
Here are some tips to make the most out of your next physical preventive exam or wellness exam:
- Schedule when you are feeling well. If you are sick, don’t try to do your sick visit and your physical at the same time. Focus on getting better immediately to reduce time missed at work, school, activities and with family.
- Schedule ample time for your wellness physical. This will give you and your provider a chance to discuss optimal health, recommendations, appropriate age related screening tests.
- Don’t settle for standard of care. Seek optimal care. This means talking with professionals about your individual needs, wants, and goals. This is what we take pride in at Relevance Total Health.
- Ask about new test, especially in the genetics arena. There are new tests being developed and available since your last exam.
- Ask questions. Make a list ahead of time to keep focused. If your provider gets mad…. It might be time to seek a new provider. However, be reasonable. 15 questions may be excessive.
Keep watching our blog! Next post we will give you access to our top 95 ways to make 2016 your healthiest year yet!
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