Annual Physical Exams: What’s Included and Why They Matter

That’s why annual physical exams are so important. They give you and your doctor a chance to catch potential issues early, keep track of ongoing conditions, and build a strong foundation for long-term wellness. Think of it like maintenance for your body.

If you're still not convinced, or if you're not even sure what an annual physical exam involves, then this article brought to you by Southern Maryland Medical Group is for you.

What’s Included in an Annual Physical?

A physical exam is more than just checking your blood pressure. It’s a comprehensive look at your overall health, all guided by your personal medical history and lifestyle. Here’s what you can typically expect during an annual visit:

• Vital Signs Check: This involves measuring your blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature.
• Medical History Review: Your doctor will ask about your personal and family health history, medications, recent symptoms, and any lifestyle changes.
• Physical Examination: This head-to-toe evaluation includes listening to your heart and lungs, checking reflexes, and examining your skin, abdomen, and joints.
• Preventive Screenings: Depending on your age, gender, and risk factors, your doctor may recommend blood tests, cholesterol checks, cancer screenings, or diabetes assessments.
• Vaccinations: Routine immunizations may be updated during your exam.

Based on your results, your doctor may suggest diet changes, exercise plans, or referrals to specialists like a heart doctor or dermatologist. The best part? It’s all tailored to you. Your doctor makes this exam a personalized snapshot of your health.

The Power of Prevention

It’s no exaggeration to say that early detection can save lives. Conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and even some cancers can go unnoticed until they cause serious damage. An annual checkup gives you the best shot at catching them early - before they become difficult or expensive to treat.

Even for younger and seemingly healthy individuals, primary care doctors can spot patterns that might signal a future problem. Think of this visit as a health reset. It’s a chance to correct your course and stay on the path to a healthier you.

Monitoring Chronic Conditions

If you already have a condition like asthma, high blood pressure, or diabetes, your physical is even more important. It’s your opportunity to track progress, review medications, and make adjustments based on what’s working or not.

Your doctor may also refer you to a specialist, such as a heart doctor, if there are signs of more complex issues that need closer monitoring. These connections between general care and specialized care help ensure that nothing falls through the cracks.

Building a Relationship with Your Doctor

It’s hard to build a strong patient-doctor relationship when you only visit a doctor for urgent care, but regular checkups give you the chance to connect with your provider, ask questions, and share concerns. Over time, your primary care doctor in Greenbelt, MD becomes familiar with your health history, lifestyle, and goals.

A solid relationship with your doctor makes future care more personalized. You won’t feel like a stranger trying to explain years of symptoms in a 10-minute visit.

Visit Us for Your Next Physical

Many people delay scheduling a physical because they "feel fine," but good health isn’t just about how you feel in the moment; it’s also about long-term habits and smart monitoring.

Southern Maryland Medical Group is here to make staying healthy easy and accessible. With experienced primary care doctors and connections to trusted specialists like cardiologists, we offer the complete care you need - all under one roof. Call or message us to book your annual exam today.