General blood work will likely test for urinalysis, blood count and a chemical panel. Kerr prefers to monitor for diabetes and check the cholesterol of his patients who are between the ages of 50 and 70 every couple of years. For example, he may order a test to check the thyroid or hemoglobin in a patient who has exhibited certain symptoms. The need for blood work will depend on the age and symptoms of a patient. "Those health screening questions lay the framework for our game plan in the coming months," he says.Ī physical will not always involve blood tests, says Kerr. If you're between the ages of 40 and 70 you will notice a lot of screening tests taking place, explains Kerr, as "these are the key years when you can prevent diseases from taking control of your life." With his female patients, Kerr will ask when her last Pap smear was and, depending on her age, discuss mammograms, bone scans and colon cancer screening. Ask your doctor for advice on how often you should have a Pap smear done. For women who are due for both a Pap smear and a physical, Kerr suggests scheduling them together. Your physical may also include an internal exam. The doctor may ask if you have noticed any changes in your skin's appearance, such as a new freckle or mole.Īs part of your head-to-toe exam, a doctor may do a breast exam, checking for lumps and abnormalities. This may be followed by an examination of your head and neck, your eyes, ears and mouth and your reflexes. If a nurse hasn't already taken your blood pressure and weight, the doctor will check these vital signs, and will listen to your heart and lungs for any abnormalities. It's likely your doctor will want to review your medications and supplements to make sure you are being properly treated for any medical conditions. This helps to set an agenda for the appointment and, in some cases, help lead Kerr in the direction of a diagnosis. Prior to meeting with a patient, Kerr will have them fill out a questionnaire in the waiting room where they can circle any symptoms and answer basic questions about their health. of 2 – Find out what to expect beyond the physical exam on page 2. This is where you will not only discuss physical symptoms you may be experiencing, but also any changes in your life, such as stress, weight issues, a new medication, a death in the family or divorce. "An annual checkup is a great time to go through your laundry list of issues," says Kerr, who believes the time spent talking to your doctor is the most important part of the exam. There are two elements to an appointment: the talking portion and your physical exam. And once you're seated in a private examination room, you may be asked to disrobe and put on a gown. Once you get to your appointment, a nurse may take your blood pressure, height and weight while you wait. You may be charged a small photocopying fee, says Kerr, but it's worth it, since this information will help your new doctor understand your medical history.
If you are seeing a new doctor for the first time, you should try to have any previous medical records sent over prior to your exam. This is especially important if other doctors have prescribed something your family doctor may be unaware of.
Kerr also recommends you bring a list of all the medication and supplements you are taking.
You should bring any questions you may have for your doctor about your health. Knowing this, your doctor will generally set aside about 30 minutes to meet with you. When you call to make your appointment tell the receptionist the reason for your visit is for a physical. Keeping in mind that different doctors will have a different method and style to conducting an appointment, here is a general guide to what you can expect at your next physical. Jonathan Kerr, a family physician in Belleville, Ont., recommends scheduling a physical every one to two years. For the average person who's in good health, Dr. How often a person sees his or her doctor for a physical can depend on the patient's age and gender. In fact, according to a 2008 StatsCan survey, 63 per cent of those who regularly go for physical exams do it for the sense of reassurance it provides. With the media constantly bombarding us with the results of this or that medical study and endless websites offering the ability to self-diagnose, it's no wonder Canadians book a yearly checkup to make sure their body is running as it should be.
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