Annual Physical Checklist
An essential part of maintaining your health, an annual physical wake forest north carolina exam can help identify health issues early so that you can take corrective action as early as possible. Most physical exams check your medical history, measure vital signs, check hearing and vision, update vaccinations, perform blood and laboratory tests, and check for abnormalities throughout the body and organs. In order get the most out of a physical exam, there are several things that patients can do to be prepared.
Annual Physical Exam Checklist
Have Medical Records in Order: If you have had any treatments, illnesses, or conditions since your last annual physical exam, bring the records. Even if the health issue was small and you think it may be insignificant, having the records in hand will ensure your physician has all the information necessary to make informed decisions about your care and overall health.
Take Any Necessary Tests: It is common that patients may be required to get blood tests or lab work done prior to or after the physical exam. Not only should you ensure that you get the tests done, but you should have documentation on exactly which tests were performed and the results. Some tests require you to be fasting, so it could be necessary to avoid food and drink for a period of time leading up to the test. When scheduling your appointment for your physical we prefer you are fasting as most likely labs will need to be performed.
Prepare a List of All Medications and Dosage: Whether it is over the counter or prescribed by a doctor, prepare a list of all medications you are taking along with the dosage information. More, importantly we prefer you bring all of your pill bottles and supplements you are taking. To be thorough, also include any alternative medicine or herbal supplements on the list as some can be known to have harmful interactions with drugs the doctor may need to prescribe.
Review and Verify Family Medical History: Family health history is a critical component of preventative medicine. By knowing and reporting any health conditions or diseases that your family members had to your physician, your doctor can keep an eye open for signs of illnesses that could be hereditary. If you do not know or unsure, please ask your family about their medical conditions prior to your appointment, especially your parents if possible.
Provide a List of All Your Doctors and Sources of Treatment: In all likelihood, your general physician will not be your only healthcare provider. Most of us have dentists and other specialists like cardiologist or urologist so by informing your general physician of these providers, they will know who to contact should they need additional information regarding treatment you have received.
Compile a List of Any Recent Health Problems: If you have had any health concerns, symptoms, or problems since your last physical, be sure to let the physician know during the exam. They may be able to answer questions, provide insight, or offer treatment options.
List Any Questions or Concerns You Have: Write down and bring with you a list of any health-related questions or concerns you have so that they can be addressed during the exam. This will not only help you remember to ask the questions but can also allow you to jot down the physician’s answers to take with you after the exam. At the end of your visit you can sign up for our Follow My Health patient portal to where you will have access to your medical information and ability to asks questions remotely.
Inquire About Any Other Necessary Preparations: Prior to the exam, speak to the doctor’s office to see if there is anything else you need to bring or have ready before the physical. For example, a urine sample may be needed during the exam so it would not be helpful to go on an empty bladder. In other cases, you may need to fast for a specific test so you will need to ensure you go with an empty stomach.
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