The last thing you want to do if you’re feeling healthy is to visit a doctor, but getting regular wellness checkups like a physical exam—regardless of if you have any symptoms or health concerns—is important at any age or stage in life.
An annual physical is a key preventative measure to keep you healthier longer, and it can potentially save you from costly care and treatment expenses in the future. Health Partners is committed to improving your health and the health of the communities we serve, so contact your provider today to schedule a physical exam.
Why do I need a checkup every year?
A yearly physical helps your doctor identify and intervene on potential issues early before they get worse, and it allows your doctor to monitor any existing conditions you have. An annual exam also gives you the opportunity to alert your doctor of any concerns or questions you have.
Depending on your medical history, health conditions, or concerns you’re having, your doctor may recommend more frequent physical exams.
What happens during a physical exam?
Most physical exams last about 30 minutes. Your doctor will ask questions about your health and health history, including previous medical procedures and treatments and the health history of family members. You’ll also tell your doctor about any allergies or conditions you have, as well as any medications you’re taking, and you’ll likely have blood drawn and give a urine specimen for common lab tests.
During the exam, your doctor will go through some routine steps such as:
- Measure your vital signs like temperature, blood pressure and heart rate;
- Use instruments to observe your eyes, ears, nose and throat, and use a stethoscope to listen to your heart, lungs and bowels;
- Check your reflexes, and examine certain parts of your body to feel for unusual lumps or other abnormalities.
Depending on your health history or for other reasons specific to your unique circumstances, your doctor may take additional steps or conduct more tests, or refer you to other specialists for further evaluation. It’s important to remember that you play a critical role during your physical.
It is important that you use this opportunity to ask questions and share other pertinent information about your health to keep your doctor fully informed.
How can an annual exam potentially save me money?
By having regular check-ins with your doctor, you can get ahead of health issues or concerns before they get worse. Treating an illness or condition after the fact — or after it gets worse — is usually much more expensive than taking preventative or intervention measures that can be identified as a result of an annual physical exam.
Schedule your physical exam today
Contact us to schedule an annual physical or other appointments or if you have questions.
About Health Partners Network and HP2
The Northeast Georgia Health Partners Network — which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) — is a network of over 1,600 community and regional physicians and hospitals, including those within NGHS and others across the region.
The HP2 network brings together physicians and advanced practice practitioners from Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Longstreet Clinic, Georgia Heart Institute (formerly known as The Heart Center of Northeast Georgia Medical Center), Northeast Georgia Physicians Group, and other independent practices throughout our region.
Our network providers share a commitment to improving outcomes for patients. We work together to improve care access, reduce unnecessary tests and hospital admissions while providing individualized care.