Taking proactive steps toward a healthier you can make a big difference in your long-term health. One way to commit to your health journey is by scheduling your yearly wellness visit.
Importance of a Yearly Physical
A yearly wellness visit (often called a “physical,” or a “check-up,”) is an annual appointment with your primary care doctor to discuss your overall health and conduct important preventive screenings for your physical health and mental wellbeing. These visits are designed so you and your doctor can have a conversation about symptoms you may have experienced or lifestyle changes you’d like to make. Regular conversations with your doctor can also help detect conditions earlier and ensure you are making progress toward your goals.
During your wellness visit, your doctor will review your health history, check your vital signs, and examine for early signs of potential health issues. You may also have lab tests done, like a blood test, to get a clearer picture of your health.
For men and women, there are some tests that may be specific to your needs. For example:
- For men, the physical exam may include tests like a cholesterol check, prostate cancer screening, a testicular exam, and an abdominal aortic aneurysm screening.
- For women, your doctor might conduct a breast exam, a Pap smear, a pelvic exam, cholesterol testing, and an osteoporosis screening.
Preparing for Your Wellness Visit
Yearly physical exams can be short, so it’s important to come prepared to make the most of your visit. Think about any questions or topics you’d like to bring up before you arrive.
Some things to keep in mind:
- Family health history: Understanding your family’s health history can help your doctor assess your risk for certain conditions. Have a list ready of any known health conditions or diseases in your family.
- Symptoms: If you’ve been experiencing any symptoms or changes in your body, make sure to explain them to your doctor. It’s important to communicate any concerns you may have.
- Medications: Be prepared to talk about the medications you’re currently taking, including any supplements or vitamins.
- Health goals: Your doctor will want to know about any health goals you may have. Whether it’s improving your diet, exercising more, managing a chronic condition, or improving your mental health and getting more sleep, this is the perfect time to discuss your goals with your doctor.
Questions for your doctor
Your yearly wellness visit is more than just a quick check-up. It’s an opportunity to build a relationship with your doctor and ensure you’re taking the right steps to maintain your health. Coming prepared with questions can help you make the most of your time. Here are a few important questions to ask:
- About tests: If your doctor orders any tests, ask why they’re necessary and how the results will be used. Knowing what to expect and how the results will be shared can give you peace of mind.
- About a diagnosis: If you’ve been diagnosed with a condition recently, ask your doctor what caused it, how it can be treated, and what lifestyle changes can help manage it.
- About medications: If you’ve been prescribed a new medication, ask how it works, how long you’ll need to take it, and any potential side effects you should watch out for.
Building open communication with your doctor helps you feel more confident in your care and ensures that you’re always on the same page about your health.
Scheduling Wellness Visits with Arkansas Blue Cross
Your yearly physical exam is an important part of your health. It’s a chance to review your overall wellness and address any potential concerns early on. Knowing you’ve taken the time to care for yourself can give you peace of mind for the months to come.
At Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, we prioritize preventive care, and your yearly physical is one of the most important steps you can take for your long-term health. Best of all, your Arkansas Blue Cross plan covers these wellness visits, making it easy to schedule and complete.