The Ultimate Checklist for Your Annual Physical/Wellness Exam: Key Questions to Ask Your Doctor
The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to improve your health and set goals for a healthier future. And most New Year’s resolution-makers agree – a whopping 79% of resolutions are related to health.
Annual physicals and wellness exams are an essential part of staying healthy, helping to catch any potential issues early and giving you the opportunity to discuss concerns one-on-one with your doctor. But many people aren’t sure what to expect during the appointment or what questions they should ask.
The checklist below is designed to help you make the most of your next annual physical or wellness exam, so you can stay proactive about your health and leave your doctor’s office feeling informed and confident about your next steps.
Why Get an Annual Physical or Wellness Exam?
Most adults should have an annual physical or wellness exam once a year. It’s always best to identify potential health risks as early as possible – perhaps even before symptoms begin. This important visit allows your doctor to fully assess your current health, perform the appropriate tests and screenings, and confirm that your vaccines and immunizations are current.
A lot can happen in a year! Getting an annual physical or wellness exam also keeps your medical records up to date, including any changes that could impact your health now or in the future.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
We recommend making a list of the following items before your appointment and bringing it with you. Think of it as a “cheat sheet” for your past and current health:
Insurance information (if you have a policy)
Medications you currently take
Medical and surgical history, including past treatments and procedures
Results from prior tests or lab work
Symptom details (what they are, when they occur, and how long they last)
Names and phone numbers of other doctors or specialists you see
Any questions you want to ask
This list should definitely come in handy, especially at the start of your appointment when the doctor is gathering information.
Common Tests and Screenings Performed
Most annual physicals and wellness exams begin by:
- Reviewing your medical history and current medications
- Discussing any new or recent symptoms
- Recording your height, weight, and body mass index (BMI)
- Measuring your blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing rate
- Performing a physical exam to check for any potential health problems
Your doctor may also order tests and screenings to help diagnose or monitor health conditions. These tests and screenings will vary based on your age, gender, or changes in your health since your last appointment. However, many standard exams include:
- Complete blood count
- Chemistry panel
- Urinalysis
The American Heart Association recommends having a lipid test (cholesterol test) every 4-6 years – however, you might need more frequent tests if you are overweight or have risk factors for heart disease. If you have risk factors for diabetes, your doctor will likely check your blood sugar levels as well.
Other tests and screenings can check for signs of cancer, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), urinary tract infections (UTIs), and more.
Conversation About Your Lifestyle
When your doctor asks about your lifestyle during the exam, it’s important to be as open and honest as possible – even if you’ve made some unhealthy choices. You’re certainly not alone.
Lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, sleeping habits, stress levels, and alcohol and tobacco use all play a major role in your overall health. Telling the truth gives your doctor the information they need to provide you with personalized health advice that can make a difference.
Key Questions for Your Doctor
Now it’s your turn to ask questions! Add these questions to the list you bring to your appointment so you can be sure to get everything answered.
- Are my symptoms normal? What should I do if I experience new symptoms?
- Do I need to make any changes to my medications?
- Are there any new treatments or therapies since my last exam?
- Is my BMI in normal range?
- Are my heart rate and blood pressure in normal range?
- What tests and screenings are you ordering and why?
- Are there any cancer screenings I should consider, such as a mammogram or colonoscopy?
- Am I up to date on my vaccines and immunizations? Do I need an annual flu shot?
- Do I need to see a specialist for any reason?
- What health goals should I set for myself over the next year?
- What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my health?
Feel free to take notes and ask follow-up questions during your appointment whenever needed. Remember, your doctor is there to help you!
The Next Step: Understanding the Results
After your annual physical or wellness exam is complete and your results are ready, your doctor will let you know if:
- You’re in good health
- You need additional testing
- You need to see a specialist
- You need to adjust your medications or start taking new ones
- There are any health concerns you should know about
- There are changes you can make to improve your health
Be sure to ask your doctor to explain what the results mean and what health goals you should set for the year ahead. For instance, your doctor might provide target ranges for your weight, cholesterol, or blood sugar and then suggest diet and exercise modifications to help you reach those goals.
Also ask your doctor’s opinion on the best follow-up schedule for you. Based on your results, the doctor may want to see you sooner or more frequently than once a year.
Annual Physicals and Wellness Exams at TrustCare
We hope you’ll use this checklist as a starting point to have meaningful conversations with your doctor about your health – and at TrustCare, we’re all ears.
It’s easy to get your annual physical or wellness exam at TrustCare. Our urgent care clinics are open seven days a week with no appointment needed, including weekends and holidays. TrustCare also offers primary care, pediatric primary care (TrustCare Kids), and more.
Find a TrustCare location today!