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How to Prepare for Your Next Annual Physical Examination

Writer's picture: Robert DuhaneyRobert Duhaney

Updated: Jan 4

By Robert Duhaney, MD


Your annual physical examination, also known as a "Live Well Visit" at One Medical, is an essential opportunity to check in on your health, address any concerns, and plan for your future well-being. For our seniors, Medicare refers to this visit as the Annual Wellness Visit. These preventive visits are typically covered by insurance without a copay, making them a cost-effective way to stay proactive about your health. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your next visit.


What to Expect During Your Annual Physical

An annual physical examination is a comprehensive checkup designed to assess your overall health and catch potential issues early. Here’s a breakdown of what typically happens during the visit:

  1. Vital Signs Check: Your provider will measure key indicators of your health, including:

    • Blood pressure

    • Heart rate

    • Temperature

    • Respiratory rate

    • Weight (with your permission), height, and body mass index (BMI)

  2. Health Discussions: This is your chance to talk with your provider about any symptoms, lifestyle habits, or health concerns you’ve been experiencing. Topics often include:

    • Diet and exercise habits

    • Stress levels and mental health

    • Need for STI screening and/or LGBTQ-specific Care

    • Sleep patterns

    • Tobacco, alcohol, or drug use

    • Family medical history updates

  3. Age-Related Screening Tests: Depending on your age, gender, and medical history, your provider may recommend specific screenings, such as:

    • Mammograms or Pap smears for women

    • Prostate cancer screenings for men

    • Bone density tests for older adults

    • Vision or hearing tests

    • Colon cancer screenings

  4. On-Site Screening Labs: Many annual physicals include basic lab work to monitor key health indicators. Common tests might include:

    • Blood sugar (glucose) levels

    • Cholesterol levels

    • Kidney and liver function tests

    • Thyroid hormone levels

  5. Immunizations and Preventive Care: Your provider will review your vaccination status and recommend any updates, such as flu shots, COVID-19 boosters, Tdap, or pneumonia vaccines.


How to Prepare for Your Visit

To ensure a productive and stress-free appointment, follow these tips:

  1. Bring a List of Medications: Write down all the medications and supplements you take, including dosages. This helps your provider ensure there are no interactions or unnecessary prescriptions.

  2. Know Your Medical History: Update your provider on any new diagnoses, surgeries, or hospitalizations since your last visit. If you’re seeing a new doctor, bring a copy of your medical records if possible.

  3. Track Symptoms or Changes: Keep a record of any health changes or symptoms you’ve noticed, even if they seem minor. These details can help your provider identify patterns and potential concerns.

  4. List Your Questions: Write down any health-related questions or topics you want to discuss. This ensures you won’t forget anything important during your visit.

  5. Fast if Necessary: If your provider has ordered fasting blood work, avoid eating or drinking (except water) for 8-12 hours before your appointment. Confirm these instructions with your provider beforehand.

  6. Bring Your Insurance Card and ID: Ensure your contact and insurance information are up to date with out front desk staff to avoid any issues with billing.


Why Annual Physicals Matter

As Primary Care Providers, we believe regular checkups are key to preventing serious health problems and managing chronic conditions effectively. By staying on top of screenings, vaccinations, and lifestyle changes, you can improve your quality of life and achieve your long-term health goals.

At One Medical, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re coming in for a Live Well Visit or a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit, our providers prioritize your comfort and well-being. Should you need a referral to a specialist or addtional testing, we can work to cooridante that for you. Schedule your next visit today and take an important step toward a healthier, happier you.


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©2025 by Robert Duhaney, MD. Views expressed on this website are my own opinions and not necessarily those of One Medical or Amazon Health Services. Information on this website is not a substitute for medical advice from your own clinician and are considered for general informational purposes only. Proudly created with Wix.com.

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