An annual physical exam is an opportunity to get to know the doctor and have his or her full attention for your concerns. An individual physical usually starts with some general questions about your health history. It may end in your getting a few extra blood tests at the lab or having a special exam like a mammogram or a colonoscopy.
Washington Medical Clinic, LLC in Silver Spring, Maryland offers annual physical exams with a provider who takes the time to explain results in plain language.
What an annual physical exam can find
High blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes generally do not present symptoms in the beginning. Getting a medical checkup annually allows your healthcare provider to monitor any shifts in your body indicators before they result in a medical condition. Furthermore, it allows you sufficient time to discuss with your provider about sleep, stress, weight & medications.
People who consult medical professionals every year receive care tailored to their medical history. Your doctor is familiar with your normal ranges, and because of that even little variations would be noticeable to him/her.
What happens during an annual physical exam
During every visit, the doctor basically performs the same examination.
- Medical and family medical history: Doctor will go over them
- Physical exams: height, weight, body mass index
- Vital signs: blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, and oxygen level
- We’ll be checking your heart and lungs. There’s also going to be touching of your belly while we look for your reflexes
- We are also interested in your mood, sleep, diet, and activity.
Finally, the doctor will recommend the tests that you need and also vaccinate you against what was decided. This is the best moment, too, for any queries you might have regarding screening exams that your doctor may suggest to you.
Annual physical exam checklist
You will need to bring the following items to your doctor’s appointment:
- Bring along your health insurance card and a photo ID
- Prepare your medication list including supplements along with the doses
- Bring reports or records from various doctors or your latest lab test results
- Vaccination chart
- Questions or symptoms that concern you write them down in a short list
In case you are suffering from any new illness or experiencing difficulty in sleeping, write them down in your notes. Also, wear comfortable clothes for easy examinations. In case your doctor has suggested any fasting lab tests, do not eat a meal for 8 to 12 hours before the test, but stay well hydrated by drinking water.
Annual physical exam blood test: what gets checked
The blood samples taken upon a general medical annual routine checkup are usually grouped as follows:
- Complete blood count, checking mainly red cells, white cells, and platelets
- Comprehensive metabolic panel including kidney function, liver function, and blood sugar test
- LDL cholesterol, lipid panel that measures cholesterol and triglycerides
- Hemoglobin A1C, when diabetes risk factors are known
- Special tests (thyroid, vitamin D) based on your history
Fasting may be required or not, depending on your test order as explained by the healthcare provider.
Annual physical exam by age
The right schedule depends on your age and health.
Children and teens
It is essential for children to have their annual check-up. After the age of ten, the pediatrician is primarily involved with the child’s development, height, vision, hearing, and any updates to school-related as well as sporting documents. Kids are inoculated in their younger years as per a prescribed childhood immunization schedule.
Adults 18 to 39
Healthy persons in the middle age can be visited yearly to every three years depending on the risk factors. Women would be able to get advice on contraception, planning the pregnancy and undergoing the screening for cervical cancer without visiting the doctor several times. Cervical screening is done first when you hit the age of 21.
Adults 40 to 64
Scheduled regular visits are the normal trend. Screening for breast cancer is recommended starting at age 40, and screening for colon cancer is recommended starting at age 45. Your doctor may also follow up more closely on your cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
Adults 65 and older
Visits check fall risk, memory, vision, hearing, and a complete medication review. Flu, pneumonia, and shingles vaccines are also covered in the discussion.
ICD-10 codes for an annual physical exam
Insurance companies look at the ICD-10 codes they find on your claim. A healthy adult general medical exam is represented by Z00.00 while Z00.01 is assigned to an abnormal result. In case of a routine child physical examination, they’ll apply either the Z00.129 or Z00.121 code.
Under most conditions, one free preventive visit per year is given provided the person sees an in-network provider. However, there might be a bill for the new issue if it is discussed in detail or for the extra tests. Check with your insurance plan prior to the visit to get the confirmation.
Annual physical exam near me: Washington Medical Clinic in Silver Spring
Searching for an annual physical exam near me? Why not try out Washington Medical Clinic, LLC at 10230 New Hampshire Avenue, Suite 340, Silver Spring, MD 20903. We’ve got a comprehensive family practice and a single office which takes care of your, your children’s, and your family’s health needs.
During a visit with us, you get not just vaccines, but also tuberculosis testing, birth control advice, and even a weight loss programme tailored to medical standards should you choose it. Our highly experienced doctors and nurse practitioners who are board-certified will happily take the time to address your concerns.
Feel free to reach us at (301) 908-2116 or (301) 750-8000 so we can schedule your annual physical.
Frequently asked questions
Children need one every year. Adults 40 and older should plan on a yearly visit. Healthy younger adults can often go every one to three years, and your provider sets the schedule.
Most plans cover one preventive visit a year at no cost when you stay in the network. Extra tests or a visit for a new problem may cost more. Call your plan to confirm.
It includes a health history, vital signs, a hands-on exam, and the labs or screenings your age calls for. Your vaccines are reviewed too.
Only if your provider orders fasting labs, such as cholesterol or glucose. Fasting usually means no food for 8 to 12 hours. The water is fine.
The exam itself takes about 15 minutes. Plan on 30 to 45 minutes with check-in and a blood draw.
