Why You Shouldn’t Put Off Your Annual Physical

You have probably heard that you should have an annual physical with your primary care doctor each year. Yet how often have you followed this advice? Many people skip their annual physicals because they feel they are in decent health and that it is not necessary. However, there are some very good reasons not to skip or put off your annual physical this year.

Routine Testing

There is some routine testing that should be done each year, especially as you get older and your risk factors increase. You should have your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, and other routine blood work to ensure that there are no underlying problems waiting to be diagnosed. The metrics that are checked by your doctor during your physical are risk factors for other illnesses, and it is important that you know what they are and whether or not treatment is required.

Early Detection

Many chronic health conditions are easily treatable if they are caught and treated early. Your annual physical gives your doctor the ability to give you a thorough examination plus testing to diagnose health conditions as quickly as possible. Once they have been diagnosed, treatment can begin. You may think that you are healthy enough, but you could have underlying health problems such as hypertension or diabetes without knowing it.

Incentives

You actually have a lot of incentives for getting an annual physical, beyond the effects of your physical health. Many health insurance companies are now giving cash incentives for patients to get their annual physical. This is due to the fact that annual physicals and preventative medicine is proven to decrease medical costs overall. Additionally, you can get refills on any prescriptions and make sure they are covered by insurance.

If you haven’t had your physical in the last year and are in need of a primary care doctor, contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment.