At an annual physical, a primary care physician evaluates your overall health and helps you develop a personalized plan to maintain or improve it. Since these visits occur just once a year, it’s important to make the most of them. Follow these tips to ensure your physical is as productive and beneficial as possible. 

How to Ensure Your Annual Physical Is Productive

1. Bring Questions & Take Notes

Sometimes, you may feel rushed during your physical and forget to ask important questions regarding your health. That’s why you should take time to compile questions in a list, either in a notebook or on your phone, to bring with you to your appointment. Also, write down your doctor’s answers and suggestions for improving your health, so you don’t forget anything. 

2. Prepare Your Medical History & List of Medications 

To make accurate recommendations for maintaining and improving your health, your primary care physician will need your medical history (including lab work, immunization records, and test results) along with a list of any medications you take. While you’ll likely be asked to fill out these details on a form in the waiting room, it helps to prepare this information in advance.

By gathering this information early, you’ll have time to request records from your other doctors or specialists, confirm whether any illnesses run in your family, and make a list of the medications, vitamins, and supplements you take. Be sure to include dosages and how often you take them.

3. Arrive Early

Showing up to the office about 15 to 20 minutes before your physical allows you to better prepare for your appointment. You’ll have ample time to check in and complete paperwork, meaning you won’t feel rushed or stressed. You can then relax in the waiting room and think about what you’d most like to discuss with your doctor, including your overall health goals.

The team at Patient Choice Medical Care provides thorough physicals for residents of Hamden, CT, and the surrounding areas. These primary care physicians are dedicated to personalized health care and strive to develop a close relationship with every patient. Learn more about their comprehensive services online, and call (203) 535-0262 to schedule an appointment.