Have You Planned for Your Annual Wellness Exam?

Examine Making 2016 a successful year from the get-go can seem like a full-time job, pulling together a year’s worth of documents for taxes, wrapping up year-end goals, and even planning for summer vacations. But it’s important to be sure you squeeze in just one more item on your list: your wellness exam.

Annual wellness exams are a crucial part of the preventive health care that helps you maintain a high quality of life for you and your family. They help you stay healthy by establishing a baseline for your overall health. Over time, you can track health changes and address issues before they become problems.

Your annual checkup may include both a visit with your doctor and screening for potential problems such as high blood pressure, cancer, or obesity. Gathering information at regular intervals not only helps you and your doctor track your health but will also help your doctor know how best to provide you with educational information and guidance.

What you should expect from a wellness exam

Because most wellness appointments happen only once a year, you and your doctor have a lot of information to cover in a relatively short time. Most exams include several parts.

Your provider checks your vitals (e.g., blood pressure, resting heart rate, height, weight).
Your physician asks you questions about your overall health and gives you the opportunity to share your health concerns and ask questions.
Your physician may recommend tests for further follow-up in specific areas of concern (e.g., cholesterol screening, diabetes screening, mammogram, smoking cessation program).

Get the most out of your wellness exam

Even though your time may be limited, the wellness exam is a time set aside for you to have the attention of your doctor. Make the most of this opportunity by doing your homework before you go.

Be prepared to answer questions. Review your medical history and note any changes in your health over the past year.

Make notes about your family health history. For example, has anyone in your immediate family been diagnosed with a chronic illness such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or cancer?
Make a list of medications you’re taking. Don’t just include prescriptions — make sure you list supplements and herbal remedies, as they may react with therapies that your doctor might recommend.
Bring a list of all your health care providers. Include both physicians and alternative health care providers such as acupuncturists and chiropractors so that your doctor can get a complete picture of your health.

Bring your own list of questions. Don’t rely on your memory! Write down all the things you want to ask the doctor about health matters that concern you.

List the concerns that most worry you. Bring these up early in the conversation so that you can be sure you have time to address them.
Include all concerns — physical, mental, and emotional. What you say here is confidential, so don’t hesitate to talk about issues, even if they might seem embarrassing to you.
Mention your travel plans. We’re a global society, and if you’re traveling outside the U.S. for work or for pleasure, your doctor can help you be sure you have all the immunizations you need to stay well as you travel.

Under the Affordable Care Act, all Marketplace health insurance plans and many other plans cover preventive services at no cost to you, so your health insurance may cover all or most of the cost of your annual wellness exam. Check with your insurance provider if you have questions about your coverage.

Remember: Wellness isn’t about curing illness. It’s about preventing it and enjoying health every day!

[cta]Do you have questions about your health care benefits? To learn more, contact Osen-Hunter at 434-990-0500 or email us at info@osen-hunter.com.[/cta]