A wellness checkup is an excellent time to bring up any health concerns you have been having and get any necessary medical attention. Heart disease and Type 2 diabetes are only two examples of chronic illnesses that lack clear signs. If you don’t see a reputable doctor like Dr. Monika T Vansant regularly, you might live with a dangerous illness for years before noticing any symptoms. Thankfully, this article will be useful if your yearly checkup is approaching. It outlines some things you should do to prepare for your yearly checkup.
Make an appointment
Contact your primary care physician to set up a physical examination. If you don’t already have a primary care physician (PCP; “health care provider” is another term used by insurance companies), you may get a list of local options by calling your insurance company.
Prepare your health history
A current medical history form is usually required before the assessment. Before you go in, it is a good idea to go through your family’s and your medical records. Cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and any other diseases or conditions in your family are examples of significant medical history. The history of your treatment is crucial information for predicting future needs. A thorough medical history may help diagnose and treat health problems.
Create a list of any drugs and assistance equipment that you use
Bring all of your prescriptions, even if they were prescribed by someone else. Add vitamins, antihistamines, any other OTC drugs you use regularly, and any herbs or nutritional supplements. If you need to leave behind any prescription drugs, at least snap a photo of the bottle’s label (not a picture of the pills). You can also write down a medicine list. The names of many drugs sound the same, so if you do this, be careful to write down the name, the dose, and the frequency of administration as clearly as possible. Likewise, it would help if you told your provider about any assistive technology you use.
Put your questions into writing
No query is irrelevant. Bring the list to your consultation, and cover everything on it. Ask your provider to explain things differently if you don’t understand them or don’t feel like you got an answer to your question.
Create a log of your current symptoms
If you’re in good health but only see your doctor once a year for an annual exam, this wellness checkup is the perfect opportunity to discuss any new symptoms or worries you’ve been having. Talk to your doctor about any changes, no matter how little.
Make sure you are aware of how active a role you have to play in maintaining your health if you want to live a long and happy life. Consider your yearly checkup one of the most crucial commitments of the year. Use this chance to set yourself on the path to better health and happiness. If you don’t get to discuss anything important, set up a second meeting to focus on that topic. Good preparation is vital to making the most out of your appointment. Contact Penn’s Rock Primary Care for any questions about your annual wellness visit.
