What an Annual Physical Exam Reveals About Your Health

An annual physical is an important preventive health care measure you can take for yourself and your loved ones. This exam at Mashpee Family Medicine helps identify potential problems and allows for early diagnosis and treatment.

Below, board-certified physician Dr. Vimal Patel explains what to expect during a physical in Mashpee, MA. We also discuss ways to prepare for your appointment and how to follow up on any recommendations made by your doctor. Call now to schedule a visit for yourself or a family member. We encourage you to take advantage of this essential primary care service.

What happens during an annual physical?

An annual physical is a routine preventive health appointment that allows your doctor to check for issues and provide the appropriate treatment recommendations. Mashpee Family Medicine offers these exams for children and adults of all ages.

The physical itself usually lasts about an hour and includes a discussion of your medical history and current health concerns. Please inform Dr. Patel if you have had any changes to your health or medications since your last visit. He may check your blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing, and listen to your heart and lungs with a stethoscope. We may also order tests such as a urine analysis and blood panel.

What are you testing for?

The tests ordered during a physical vary based on your age, health history, and current symptoms or concerns. Children and adults may receive different sets of tests, and those with a family history of certain diseases may be screened for those conditions.

The tests ordered during this exam are meant to check for signs of problems related to the thyroid, liver, heart, and immune system. When these organs are not functioning properly, it can lead to serious health issues.

Some conditions detected during annual physicals include diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and cancer. Many conditions are treated effectively if they are caught and managed early by a primary care professional.

How to prepare for an annual physical

You can help Mashpee Family Medicine by coming to your appointment prepared with any concerns you want to discuss. It is also helpful to bring a list of all current medications and vitamin supplements. These help our team get a complete picture of your health.

Wear loose-fitting clothes to your appointment so Dr. Patel can easily check your blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing. We also recommend avoiding caffeine and energy drinks before your exam in Mashpee, MA to check your blood pressure accurately.

What if something is wrong?

No one wants to hear that they have a health problem, but it is important to catch and treat conditions early. If your annual physical reveals an issue, Dr. Patel will develop a comprehensive treatment plan moving forward. This may include minor changes to your diet and lifestyle, medication, or additional testing. We also schedule follow-up appointments to track your progress. Mashpee Family Medicine is proud to be here for you every step of the way.

Schedule your annual physical

Mashpee Family Medicine offers a range of preventive health services. This includes annual physicals, well-woman exams, immunizations, and sports physicals. We also offer sick visits for times when you need to be seen urgently. Learn what to expect during an appointment by calling to meet with Dr. Vimal Patel. Our primary care team is committed to helping you and your family live your healthiest lives in Mashpee, MA.