Yearly checkups allow you and your primary care provider to build a trusted relationship around your health — whether that’s physical, mental or emotional health. During this annual doctor’s visit, you and your provider might discuss your:
- Current health status
- Immunizations
- Health history
- Potential health risks
- Preventive screenings you may need
- Personal health goals
- Current prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins or minerals you’re taking
This appointment is also the time to bring up any concerns or changes you’ve noticed so that your provider can help you take the next steps in care. If you’re a parent, a yearly child checkup can also count as a sports physical, but a physical is not a substitute for a checkup.
Many health insurance plans cover one yearly checkup. Contact your insurance provider to learn what’s available to you.
Getting a sports physical is often required of athletes before the season begins. Many family medicine providers are trained in assessing and establishing a baseline in athletic physical health. If an injury occurs, the physical can help navigate progress during recovery.
Staying up to date on your immunizations is an important step you can take to prevent illness. Your primary care provider can inform you of what vaccines you need, and when planned ahead of time, can easily be completed in your yearly checkup.
Many health insurance plans cover some immunizations. Contact your insurance provider to learn what’s available to you.
Some diseases require ongoing medical attention and lifestyle changes. Avera family medicine experts can help by prescribing treatments including medications, providing insight on effective lifestyle changes, and supervising progress under the direction of specialized experts. Chronic conditions include, but aren’t limited to:
- Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias
- Asthma
- Arthritis
- Diabetes type 1 and 2
- Crohn’s disease
- High blood pressure
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Osteoporosis
- Post-surgical care
- Weight management
