How to Prepare for an Annual Check-up
May 9, 2024
For many people, a well-intended resolution is to get healthy. While that can mean going to the gym or eating healthy for many, an important thing to remember is that a yearly check-up with your doctor is just as important. If you are only visiting your doctor when you are sick, you may be shortchanging your health. Learn why a regular check-up is important and 4 steps to help you prepare for your visit.
An annual check-up is important for many reasons
- Helps identify any problems before they become too serious, making treatment more manageable
- Forms a strong relationship with your doctor, so if an issue does arise, you can be more comfortable knowing your provider knows you and your medical history.
- Tracks key measurements like blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels over time to help detect early signs of trouble
- Saves you health care costs in the long run
How to prepare
If it has been a few years since your last visit, you may have some questions on how to prepare in advance. Here are 4 easy steps to help you prepare for your appointment:
- Get up-to-date information about family medical history. If your health care provider knows about the different diseases or illnesses you are more susceptible to, he or she can recommend lifestyle changes, look for signs and symptoms of those illnesses, and assess your current risk level of the disease.
- Find out what exams, vaccinations, or tests you should be getting at your age. Make sure all of your vaccinations are up-to-date or ask about which ones you may need.
- Write down any issues or questions you may have. When at an appointment, it is easy to forget something you wanted to ask your provider. Write down any problems you are having and anything you would like to ask during your appointment. This can make sure all your issues are addressed in the same visit.
- Discuss any health or wellness goals. If you want to make lifestyle changes or have long-term concerns about your health, an annual visit with your doctor is a perfect time to get support. This could include long-term goals like losing weight or quitting smoking.
How We Can Help
With 34 ACCESS locations in Chicagoland accepting a wide variety of insurance plans, ACCESS can help you and your family with your yearly physical exams. Schedule an appointment today to make sure you are prepared for a healthy summer.