If you’re like many people, you’ve probably skipped having an annual physical exam for a number of years. At Yankton Medical Clinic, our team of healthcare providers are passionate about helping patients maintain a healthy lifestyle, which is why we encourage all of our patients to schedule an annual physical.
While visiting your care provider can feel like a hassle, scheduling an annual physical exam is easy, and it’s an important step in staying healthy. There really isn’t a good reason for skipping an annual checkup, but there are several reasons why you should be encouraged to schedule one today!
Why Schedule An Annual Visit
Setting aside time at least once a year to visit your care provider can make a world of a difference for staying healthy. You’ve probably heard that line or a similar one before, but annual physical checkups really are the cornerstone of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
By visiting your care provider at least once a year, they’ll be able to help you understand your health and detect potential health concerns. Annual checkups give you the best chance at staying on top of your health and taking care of your body, because the best medicine for disease and other health concerns is early detection.
During your annual physical checkup, your care provider will examine and screen the following:
- Your height, weight, and vital signs
- Your medical history and family medical history
- Physical ability and any causes of pain
- Tobacco and alcohol use
- Recommended vaccinations
- Physical exam
- Medication review
- Diet and exercise
It is routine for care providers to examine and screen these areas of your health, and, depending on your age, your doctor might suggest other screenings to help detect potential health concerns, such as a colonoscopy and other age-dependent tests.
Aside from maintaining your health and detecting health concerns, scheduling an annual physical exam comes with other benefits.
Other Benefits of Physical Exams
Taking advantage of an annual physical exam early in the year can be beneficial. By visiting your doctor early, you’ll have a better idea of what sort of care you might need to treat any concerns.
With that information in mind, you’ll be better be able to plan out how to make the most of your insurance coverage throughout the year.
While scheduling an annual physical exam can help you take advantage of insurance and Medicare incentives (annual wellness visits are covered with medicare), the best reason for visiting your care provider every year is to stay on top of your health. Setting aside time for a checkup might seem like a hassle, but it’s a small commitment that can make a big impact on your life.
Are you a Medicare recipient? Are you aware of Medicare Part B’s covered wellness exams?
If it’s been a while since your last annual checkup, contact our team at Yankton Medical Clinic to schedule an appointment! We’re here to help you and your loved ones receive the care you need to stay healthy and happy.
SUMMARY
Making an annual checkup might seem like a hassle, but this simple doctor’s visit can have a big impact on your health. Annual checkups are easy to schedule, and they offer simple screenings that help you stay on top of your health. Aside from your health, though, the benefits of an annual physical exam extend to insurance. Some other insurance providers incentivize annual checkups by offering them with your coverage. If you haven’t had an annual physical exam in some time, schedule one at Yankton Medical Clinic!