Routine physical exam establish your overall health. Primary care doctors or physicians use them to set a baseline when recommending care plans throughout the year. These care plans are personalized for each individual but are necessary to keep you healthy all year long and prevent issues down the road.
Physical exams are essential in any doctor visit and are considered a health screening. Their primary aim is to help patients and doctors refocus their care plans and lifestyles to boost their overall health. In many cases, physical exams provide early detection and, therefore, early intervention.
Additionally, physical exams provide the patient with the following:
Having a general understanding of where a patient is currently in their health can help ensure certain conditions do not develop, such as type two diabetes or high cholesterol. Likewise, patients with a chronic condition, such as diabetes or heart disease, receiving a baseline of how their body is handling the disease and the performance of any medications can help slow the impact or progression of the disease.
Physical exams allow patients to have strategic, science-backed counseling on their lifestyle, such as diet and exercise. Therefore, if patients have a specific goal for their bodies, like losing weight after a baby or gaining weight for a sport, the doctor can advise.
Immunizations, or vaccines, are necessary for everyone, regardless of age. During physical exams, the doctor will alert the patient to the immunization they are due for or one that can benefit them for an upcoming season or travel period, such as the flu or COVID-19 vaccine.
Sometimes, a routine or regular physical exam will vary depending on the patient's age and gender. For example, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, women should receive mammograms starting at age 40, while men should begin receiving prostate exams at age 55. However, on an annual basis, physical exams for everyone, regardless of age, ensure vital organs function properly and no abnormalities develop.
Physical exams are primarily divided into three phases: a review of symptoms and concerns, a medical history review, and a physical evaluation. The doctor can choose to perform each phase in any order.
Patients are encouraged to bring up any concerning signs they have developed since their previous visit during this appointment. For example, chronic coughing, feeling sluggish, painful periods, severe allergies, painful or irregular urinations, and the like may result from an underlying condition the doctor needs to look into. The review does not stop with physical symptoms. If the patient has experienced a concerning mental decline or change, such as depression or anxiety, be sure to mention this to the doctor as well.
Primary care physicians keep a record of each patient's medical history. They will review previous conditions, procedures, medication or supplement intake, immunizations, and traumas. If the patient has been to the emergency room or another provider and received a diagnosis or health change of any kind, they must inform the doctor. The same applies if the patient has taken a new medication or supplement since their previous appointment.
Aside from evaluations that vary for age groups, this portion typically involves the same protocol for each patient. The doctor will check the patient's vital signs, which include the heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and breathing rate. They will also measure and record the patient's weight and height. Next, the doctor will listen to the patient's heart and lungs, ensuring all organs are free from irregularities and obstructions. Lastly, if a patient is due for an immunization, they will receive it during this phase.
Physical exams are an integral part of preventative care. If you are ready to establish a baseline for your health and receive practical steps to improve it, contact Janey L Hammons NP-C if necessary. We can provide you and your loved ones with a physical exam and a tentative schedule to maintain moving forward.
Request an appointment here: https://www.janeylhammonsnpc.com or call Janey L Hammons NP-C at (580) 922-4406 for an appointment in our Seiling office.
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