What To Expect At Annual Exams
Healthcare experts agree that the best way to protect overall health is to take a preventative approach. In most cases, this means that people of all ages are encouraged to stick to an annual exam schedule. Sometimes also referred to as a wellness visit, the purpose is to ensure that an individual’s vitals are still within healthy ranges. Key metrics will typically be used to compare with the previous year’s data sets. Regardless of age, a few tests are routinely taken to ensure a person’s health is on the right track.
The annual physical exam
The annual physical exam is designed to provide a current snapshot of a patient’s physical health. Usually, critical vitals are collected. If meeting with a new doctor, the annual exam may also include details like family history for certain health conditions, basic data like height and weight measurements, and if an individual has any preexisting conditions. Depending on the information provided, a physician may recommend additional testing to create a more comprehensive medical picture. However, regardless of age, most people can expect to receive the following screenings at an annual exam.
1. Blood pressure screening
Blood pressure screening is one of the most common tests performed at any medical exam. In addition to being noninvasive, the process can also serve as a snapshot of a patient’s current health. A reading that is too low or too high can indicate the need for further testing or even the presence of other medical conditions. The test can be performed manually using a stethoscope and an inflatable cuff, which is the traditional method, or using an automated blood pressure machine that produces a digital reading. Depending on a patient’s age and family history, the results could imply that an individual is prehypertensive or has high blood pressure that needs to be managed.
2. Vision screening
Especially for children, a vision screening can be part of an annual checkup at a pediatrician’s or family doctor’s office. Sometimes, getting that initial screening at the doctor may be the first indicator that a child needs to visit an optometrist for a formal vision exam, and ultimately to receive glasses. As people age, vision screenings can be an essential early warning sign. Not only does the test demonstrate if new prescriptions are needed, but can also be an intervention point for degenerative conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and even dry eye.
3. Hearing assessments
Similar to vision screenings, hearing assessments are also critical tests that should be performed across all age groups. While usually included as a standard portion of annual exams for children, hearing tests aren’t always performed annually for adults. Most often, experts recommend that adults ages 18-40 be screened every 3-5 years unless a known condition or risk of hearing loss exists. Over age 60, testing is encouraged annually.
Prioritize health and wellness
Staying healthy requires dedicated effort and that fact is true for children, adults, and seniors. While a wellness or annual exam isn’t a fail-safe against all medical conditions, the practice serves as an early-detection tool to help patients and healthcare professionals work together to stay healthy. Avoid going too long between checkups and be sure to schedule an exam if needed.
