Annual Physical Exams
Annual Physical Exams in Longview
At Texas Primary Care Associates, located at 705 E Marshall Ave, Ste 3001, Building Plaza 3, Longview, TX 75601, we’re proud to offer Annual Physical Exams. Our highly skilled and experienced team understands the unique needs of both men and women, as well as family members of all ages. We focus on providing an empathetic, individualized approach, ensuring a comfortable and thorough health examination experience for every patient.
Annual physical exams are arguably the most important element in the prevention and early detection of disease. The proactive team at Texas Primary Care Associates provides comprehensive annual exams to patients of all ages in Texas.
Annual Physical Exams Q & A
Why are annual physicals important?
Many potentially life-threatening conditions progress without symptoms. This means that patients can be suffering from conditions that are causing damage to their internal organs and never feel sick at all until it’s too late. Annual physicals provide the patient’s doctor with important information that reveals risk for disease like these. This allows the doctor to order necessary tests for diagnosis and screening and develop a proactive treatment plan to either decrease risk and prevent disease or treat the disease before extensive damage occurs.
Annual physicals are also a good time to discuss changes in condition, mental health concerns, and lifestyle.
What’s Included In Annual Physical-
Here are some of the specific components that may be included in men’s and women’s annual physical exams:
Men’s Physical Exam:
General Physical Examination: This involves a thorough examination of the body, including vital signs, heart, lungs, and abdomen.
Prostate Exam: Depending on the age and risk factors, men might have a prostate exam. This examination helps detect prostate cancer early.
Testicular Exam: This examination checks for any signs of testicular cancer.
Cardiovascular Risk Assessment: This includes checking cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
Colon Cancer Screening: Depending on age and risk factors, a colonoscopy may be recommended.
Diabetes Screening: Blood glucose testing can help detect diabetes early.
Vision and Hearing Tests: These tests are necessary as vision and hearing can deteriorate with age.
Mental Health Assessment: Mental health is an important aspect of overall well-being and should be included in the annual physical examination.
Women’s Physical Exam:
General Physical Examination: Like men, women will have a thorough examination of the body, including vital signs, heart, lungs, and abdomen.
Breast Exam: Women may have a clinical breast exam to check for any abnormalities that could indicate breast cancer.
Pap Smear and HPV Testing: Women might undergo a Pap smear to check for signs of cervical cancer. An HPV test may also be performed as high-risk HPV strains can lead to cervical cancer.
Pelvic Exam: This exam can help identify any issues with the uterus, ovaries, or other parts of the reproductive system.
Bone Density Screening: This test checks for signs of osteoporosis, a disease that weakens bones and is more common in women.
Mammogram: Depending on age and risk factors, women might need a mammogram to screen for breast cancer.
Cardiovascular Risk Assessment, Diabetes Screening, Vision and Hearing Tests: Like men, women will also have these tests to assess their overall health.
Mental Health Assessment: This is a vital part of a woman’s annual physical examination.
What can patients expect during their annual physical?
During their annual physical, patients can expect:
- to have their vital signs (blood pressure, weight, respirations, oxygen saturation, temperature) taken, evaluated, and discussed with them.
- to have their body mass index calculated and discussed with them.
- to share and discuss their complete medical history.
- to review and discuss their family medical history.
- to have recommended preventative screenings performed or scheduled (pap smear, mammogram, colonoscopy, or blood tests depending on gender, age, and risk factors).
- to discuss risk factors and diagnoses and leave with a plan.
Does insurance cover an annual physical exam?
Most insurance policies recognize the necessity of annual physical exam and cover it under preventative services. In addition, most insurance policies cover recommended preventive screenings such as pap smears, mammograms, colonoscopies, and blood tests as long as the patient meets the requirements for eligibility. Patients are encouraged to discuss their physical with their insurance company representative prior to their appointment.