Why do I need an annual physical?
Annual physicals allow Dr. Rao and her team to evaluate your overall health. This ensures they identify signs of disease or other health risks in their earliest stages so treatment can begin quickly.
Yearly visits also ensure that Dr. Rao and her staff can proactively monitor any existing health conditions like heart disease and arthritis, ensuring your treatments are working safely and effectively.
Annual physicals are the ideal time to discuss any concerns you have about your health or new symptoms you’ve noticed. You can also get caught up on necessary vaccinations against contagious diseases and the seasonal flu virus.
Dr. Rao can also provide resources and recommendations for weight loss, stress reduction, and better nutrition during your visit.
What can I expect during my annual physical?
Dr. Rao and her team start each visit with a review of your medical history and family history. She also discusses your existing health and listens to any new symptoms you have, devoting as much time as you need to your concerns.
Following this discussion, Dr. Rao performs a physical exam, checking for signs of abnormalities in areas like your:
- Eyes
- Ears
- Nose
- Throat
- Lungs
- Heart
Dr. Rao also evaluates the strength of your muscles and the flexibility of your joints.
Will I need blood work?
If you have a family history of conditions like high cholesterol or diabetes, Dr. Rao and her team might recommend additional screenings, including blood work. She might also request blood work to diagnose infections or unexplained pain.
For some with existing health conditions like a thyroid disorder or osteoporosis, Dr. Rao will order blood tests and/or other diagnostic tests to monitor the effectiveness of the medication you are taking or to check the progression of the disease.
Are wellness exams for women available?
Dr. Rao and her team offer wellness exams geared to the unique needs of women. She performs routine examinations of your vagina and reproductive system. You can also receive your annual Pap smear, which can identify early signs of cervical cancer.
As part of your annual physical exam, Dr. Rao and her staff can include a woman’s wellness checkup to protect your overall health.
Schedule your annual physical today using the convenient online booking feature or by calling the office nearest you.
