An annual physical is the one visit a year that isn’t about a single problem. It’s a chance to step back and look at the whole picture with your clinician. The more of that picture you bring with you, the more useful the time is.
None of this is required. If you arrive with nothing but yourself, that’s fine too. But a few minutes of preparation the week before tends to make the conversation easier.
A list of what you take
Write down every medication you take, with the dose and how often, including vitamins, supplements and anything you buy without a prescription. A photo of the labels works just as well. It is one of the most useful things you can bring.
Your questions, written down
Most people have a question they only remember on the way home. Keep a note on your phone in the weeks before, and add to it whenever something occurs to you. Put the one that matters most at the top.
- Anything that has changed since your last visit
- Anything you’ve been meaning to ask about but put off
- Any results or letters from other clinicians you’ve seen
A little family history
If you can, ask relatives about the health of your parents, brothers and sisters, and grandparents. It helps your clinician decide which screening makes sense for you. Rough answers are fine.
The practical things
Bring your insurance card and a photo ID, and arrive ten minutes early if it’s your first visit. If your clinician has suggested labs, check your confirmation to see whether you need to fast beforehand.
After the visit, your plan for the year will be in the app within a day. If something in it isn’t clear, send a message; that is what it’s there for.
This article is general information, not medical advice. For questions about your own health, talk to your clinician.