A routine wellness exam is commonly referred to by patients as a physical. This annual evaluation helps keep you healthy and answers questions about your medical needs and goals. Hillside Family Medicine LLC & Occupational Medicine in Anchorage, AK, provides comprehensive exams to prevent health problems and encourage whole body wellness. Learn more below about how attending your yearly physical can benefit you. 

Guide to Routine Wellness Exams 

Patient Experience 

In most cases, patients will make an appointment for their annual wellness exam by calling their family medicine office. On the day of your visit, arrive a few minutes early to fill out your health history questionnaire and update insurance information. Next, the medical assistant will call you back to the exam rooms to take your height, weight, temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. They may also ask you about the prescriptions you take and recent medical treatments. 

After finishing the initial part of the physical, your medical assistant will leave you to wait for the doctor. When the physician arrives, they will greet you and ask you to take a seat on the examination table. Their portion of the wellness exam consists of a physical evaluation, including a review of your eyes, ears, nose, head, neck, skin, and abdomen. They will also check your heart health, lung health, and provide a neurological and extremities exam. 

Males may also receive a reproductive health evaluation. Women can ask their doctor about combining their physicals and reproductive wellness exams into one appointment. Some patients will also be asked for urine or blood samples. 

Exam Benefits 

Routine wellness exams are essential because they help you and your doctor ensure you are in good health. Lab tests for cholesterol, diabetes, liver function, and kidney function will tell your physician if your internal organs are working correctly and if your prescription medication is doing its job. Knowing your health status provides patients with peace of mind. Physicals also indicate when medical intervention is necessary for a new or chronic condition. 

If the doctor suspects an issue like allergies, diabetes, high blood pressure, or asthma, they will create a customized treatment plan or refer you to a specialist. Adding men’s and women’s health exams are convenient and helpful for family planning. Asking questions about symptoms or making healthy choices will allow you to receive practical, expert advice from your physician. 

An annual physical is the best way to be proactive about your health and prevent future medical problems. To make an appointment for a routine wellness exam, call Hillside Family Medicine LLC & Occupational Medicine in Anchorage County, AK, at (907) 344-0200. For information about their family medicine services and compassionate staff, visit their website.