WELL ADULT PHYSICAL EXAMS AND PREVENTIVE VISITS
You’re healthy – and you want to stay that way, so it’s important to be seen for a preventive care visit each year.
What are physical exams? Are they the same as preventive care visits? What is a yearly wellness visit? We can help.
How often should I have a physical exam or preventive visit?
If you’re a healthy adult, you’ll likely only need to be seen once a year for a physical exam, also known as a preventive visit. If you’re managing a chronic condition, you may need to be seen you more often.
What to expect at a preventive care visit?
At your preventive visit, you will likely be asked about your current health, family history, past illnesses and surgeries and chronic conditions to assess your health risk. A physical exam will be performed, such as checking your vital signs, listening to your heart and lungs with a stethoscope, checking your ears, eyes, throat, skin, abdomen etc.
In addition, screenings specific to your age and gender, such as:
- Women – May include breast exam and Pap test
- Adults – May include cholesterol test and colon cancer screening
