Physicals and Examinations

Routine physicals covers a full history and physical exam, routine immunizations, and blood testing.  This is the time for your provider to counsel you on health and wellness and make sure all of the routine recommended health maintenance testing and procedures are up to date.

A routine physical does not include evaluation of new health problems, or follow up on chronic health problems and medications.  Although the provider may do this at the time of your physical if time allows, it is not considered part of the routine physical. 

Even if you feel fine, you should still see your health care provider for regular checkups. An optometrist should be visited every 2 years, a dentist annually and a general medical practitioner annually. These visits can avoid problems in the future. For example, the only way to find out if you have high blood pressure is to have it checked regularly. High blood sugar and high cholesterol levels also may not have any symptoms in the early stages. The purpose of these visits are: