Annual Physical Specialist
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Westridge Family Clinic, P. A.
Board Certified Family Medicine Physician located in Laurel, MS
Visiting the doctor for an annual physical exam is one of the easiest ways to preserve your health and well-being. Routine check-ups can alert you to potentially serious issues and educate you on living a healthier life. At Westridge Family Clinic, board-certified family medicine physician Christopher Mauldin, MD, and the team provide annual physical exams to people of all ages. To make an appointment at the practice in Laurel, Mississippi, call the office today or click the online booking feature.
Annual Physical Exam Q & A
What is an annual physical exam?
An annual physical exam is a routine check-up that assesses your health. It’s performed by a family medicine physician or a nurse practitioner.
Aside from diagnosing acute or chronic health problems, a physical exam presents an opportunity to ask questions, discuss unusual symptoms, and build a relationship with your primary care provider.
No two annual physical exams are exactly alike. Your Westridge Family Clinic provider tailors the appointment to your age, medical history, and needs.
What is the purpose of an annual physical exam?
An annual physical exam determines your general well-being. It’s important to visit the doctor at least once a year, even if you feel healthy. Many potentially serious conditions, including high blood pressure and diabetes present few obvious symptoms.
Preventive screening measures and laboratory tests can alert you to these and other issues in their early stages when they’re most responsive to treatment.
During an annual physical exam, your Westridge Family Clinic provider:
- Examines your skin for moles, bumps, or abnormal growths
- Listens to your heartbeat and lungs
- Gently palpates your organs to determine their size, location, and condition
- Tests your reflexes
- Measures your weight, height, and pulse
- Orders laboratory tests, including urinalysis, blood work, and other screens
If you’re experiencing any unusual symptoms, let your provider know. They can order additional tests to determine the source of your discomfort.
How do I prepare for my annual physical exam?
To get the most out of an annual physical exam, take the time to prepare in advance. The team at Westridge Family Clinic recommends gathering important paperwork, including a list of the medications and supplements you take regularly, results from any recent or relevant tests, and the names and contact information of any doctors or specialists you’ve seen recently.
On the day of your exam, wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and leave excess jewelry like rings, bracelets, and necklaces at home. Most physical exams take less than an hour and don’t require any downtime. As soon as you’re finished, you can return to work and other daily activities right away.
If it’s been a while since your last annual physical exam, don’t wait to make an appointment at Westridge Family Clinic. Click the online booking feature or call the office to speak with a member of the caring team today.
