Is It Time For Your Annual Wellness Visit?

Everyone looks to a doctor for support at the first sign of severe illness, but as the saying goes, prevention is always better than cure. An annual wellness visit (AWV) is the best way to get the pulse on general health and wellness. An AWV aims to ensure all health markers are optimal while acting quickly if there is the potential for disease. The goal is preventative care and forming a plan to stay healthy. Combining medical history with current data, doctors can formulate an effective treatment for patients should a condition arise. Understanding what doctors can detect early and how disease can be treated gives patients peace of mind before or after an AWV.

Let's check your vitals

During annual wellness visits, a doctor will perform an initial evaluation. The patient will likely fill out a detailed questionnaire outlining health and wellness information the doctor may or may not know. The initial information will help the doctor identify potential risks or recommend additional testing. Next, the doctor reviews medical history, including past illnesses and current prescriptions. The physical examination begins with the doctor taking vitals, listening to the heart and lungs, and doing physical assessments. This is also an excellent time to keep vaccines up to date. Some doctors perform in-office tests like blood, cholesterol, and blood sugar monitoring.

Is there anything wrong, doc?

With all the details, the doctor can provide a plan to help the patient stay healthy. However, some wellness visits may reveal an underlying condition or concern. For instance, high blood sugar levels may suggest prediabetes or diabetes. High blood pressure in dangerous ranges may be a sign of hypertension. Physical tests can reveal issues like skin cancer, while blood tests can suggest issues with the patient's thyroid, kidneys, or a viral infection. Doctors also perform simple vision and hearing tests based on patient feedback. There are multiple things that can come up in an AWV. Patients can help by being honest with the doctor and discussing any physical concerns so the doctor can look closely at these factors.

What are your next steps?

Patients should not panic if the doctor raises concerns or detects an underlying disease. The following steps are solely based on what is discovered by the doctor. A discussion then begins about symptoms, warning signs, and a potential treatment plan. The doctor will recommend additional tests to confirm the underlying disease as there are factors, such as medication use, that can impact health at any time. These tests could include ultrasound, X-ray, and additional bloodwork. Depending on the findings during the AWV, the doctor may suggest a specialist for further evaluation. Specialists can rule out any false positives but also provide the best possible treatment. Feel free to ask questions, take notes, and take action. Patients unsure about the results are also encouraged to seek a second opinion.

Don't skip your wellness visits

Yearly wellness visits are great for identifying early health concerns while encouraging optimal health and wellness. These checks are encouraged, and some of the initial examinations are covered by insurance, making AWVs cost-effective. To get the most out of the visit, provide all medical information, including prescription drugs and family history. While most visits go without issue, some may reveal early signs of an underlying condition. Should this occur, take action through additional screenings and doctor visits while following a doctor-recommended health plan.