An annual wellness exam or visit is an important part of preventative care. These annual visits with your primary care doctor allow for a yearly health assessment to make sure you are in good health and catch any issues that may arise early.
These visits do not always include a physical exam, but may include:
It’s important to use your annual wellness exam to talk to your provider about any health issues or concerns.
Seeing your primary care physician regularly for health and wellness checks is a good investment for your health. When you visit your doctor, he or she will recommend exams that may catch problems early.
It is recommended that both adults and children visit their doctor to get a yearly wellness checkup, even if they feel perfectly fine. Other benefits of seeing your doctor regularly include:
As you prepare for your preventative wellness visit, make sure to:
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Wellness exams may include a discussion of your health and illness prevention plan, a review of your medications and a discussion of your health risk assessment.
Depending on the type of annual wellness visit, you may also have a routine checkup. Talk with your doctor’s office to learn more about what you can expect at your next wellness exam.
You child will need to go to well-child visits throughout their life, especially as a newborn. These visits become yearly after children turn 4 years old.
During a well-child visit, your provider will track growth and development, provide any immunizations needed and answer any questions you may have.
Learn more about well-child visits and important milestones for kids.
A well-woman visit, also known as a gynecological exam, pelvic exam or women’s exam, is a check-up for your vulva, breasts and uterus.
As women move into their adolescent and adult life, a well-woman visit is recommended annually. This annual visit ensures reproductive organs are healthy and screens for any potential conditions, such as cancer. Your provider will generally conduct a pap smear to test for any abnormal cells.
Learn more about well-woman visits and what to expect.
A physical exam is generally more extensive than a wellness exam. Your annual wellness exam typically does not include a physical exam of your body, except for height, weight and blood pressure measurements.
A physical exam will look at your body to ensure there are no issues with your bodily health. There are two main types of physicals: routine physicals and sports physicals.
A routine physical can include:
During a sports physical, your doctor will make a determination about your health in order to qualify you for certain, more strenuous physical activities. This type of physical is focused specifically on your well-being to ensure there are no risks to playing a sport. If any risks are determined, your doctor may recommend additional tests.
Talk to your doctor to schedule your annual wellness exam today.
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