What is an annual visit?

What is an annual visit?

During this visit, the healthcare provider reviews your medical history, performs a physical examination, and may conduct or recommend various tests based on age, gender, risk factors, and current health status.

Common Tests and Assessments Covered During an Annual Visit:

  1. Vital Signs Check:
    • Blood pressure
    • Heart rate
    • Respiratory rate
    • Temperature
  2. Physical Examination:
    • General appearance (skin, hair, nails)
    • Head, eyes, ears, nose, and throat (HEENT)
    • Heart and lung examination
    • Abdominal examination
    • Neurological assessment
    • Musculoskeletal check
    • Dermatological check
  3. Laboratory Tests:
    • Blood Tests:
      • Complete blood count (CBC)
      • Basic metabolic panel (BMP) or comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)
      • Lipid panel (cholesterol and triglycerides)
      • Blood glucose or hemoglobin A1c (for diabetes screening)
    • Urine Tests:
      • Urinalysis
  4. Screening Tests:
    • Cancer Screenings:
      • Mammogram (for breast cancer, typically for women over 40)
      • Pap smear and HPV testing (for cervical cancer, typically for women)
      • Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test (for prostate cancer, typically for men over 50)
      • Colonoscopy or other colon cancer screening methods (usually starting at age 50)
    • Bone Density Test:
      • For osteoporosis, typically recommended for women over 65 and men over 70
  5. Immunizations:
    • Influenza vaccine (annually)
    • Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) booster every 10 years
    • Other vaccines as indicated (e.g., shingles, pneumonia, HPV)
  6. Lifestyle and Risk Factor Assessment:
    • Diet and nutrition
    • Exercise habits
    • Smoking and alcohol use
    • Mental health evaluation (depression, anxiety)
  7. Age-Specific and Gender-Specific Screenings:
    • Vision and hearing tests
    • Men: Testicular exam, discussion of prostate health
    • Women: Breast exam, pelvic exam

Coverage for specific tests can vary based on your insurance plan and country of residence. In many cases, preventive services are covered at no additional cost under health insurance plans. It’s always a good idea to check with your insurance provider to understand the specific benefits and coverage details of your plan.

For more information on this topic, please reach out to us at RescueMD at 972-390-7667. We are an internal medicine, weight loss and women’s health practice. We serve Allen, Frisco, Mckinney, Plano, Dallas and surrounding areas. In addition to physicians, we also have registered dietitians and personal trainers on staff to treat and manage most cases.

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