Family physicians are primary care doctors who provide services and advice to patients of all ages. They often play a role in preventive care, diagnosing illnesses, and treating different conditions. Your family physician may conduct routine exams as part of your healthcare plan.
These examinations can help diagnose or rule out potential health problems before they become serious.
Let’s talk about the routine exams your family physician may conduct and where you can go for your routine exams in Irmo, SC.
Annual Physicals
Annual physicals assess your overall health and ensure you are up-to-date on any vaccines or screenings.
They are general check-ups of your overall health and include measuring your:
- Height
- Weight
- Heart rate
- Blood pressure
Your physician may also do the following:
- Listen to your heart and lungs
- Look at your eyes and ears
- Feel your abdomen for any abnormalities
They may also order tests such as bloodwork or imaging.
Lifestyle Discussions
In addition to the physical exam, you and your family physician may discuss other aspects of your health, such as:
- Diet and exercise habits
- Stress levels
- Smoking or alcohol use
- Sexual Health
Taking the time to have a comprehensive discussion with your doctor can help ensure that you stay healthy for years to come.
Blood Pressure Checks
During your annual physical, your doctor may check your blood pressure. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a serious condition that can increase your risk of:
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Kidney disease
Your physician may check your blood pressure at each visit to make sure it remains in the healthy range.
Screenings
Screening tests detect health problems early when they are more likely to be treatable.
Depending on your age and risk factors, your doctor may suggest screenings for diabetes, high cholesterol, and cancer.
Screenings differ per disease. The most common types are conducted as follows:
- Diabetes – your doctor may check your blood sugar levels via a fasting glucose test
- Cholesterol – your physician may order a lipoprotein panel to check your cholesterol levels
- Cancer – your doctor will assess if you are at an increased risk for certain cancers, such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, or colorectal cancer. If so, you may need more frequent screenings.
Mental Health Evaluations
Family physicians are integral in helping patients manage their mental health. They may ask questions about your stress levels, sleep habits, and emotional well-being.
Depending on your answers, they may recommend you to a mental health professional. Your family physician can also provide treatment options such as therapy or medication.
Why Do You Need These Routine Exams
Routine exams are essential for identifying any potential health issues before they become serious.
By having regular check-ups, you can ensure that your doctor has all the necessary information. This will help them make an accurate diagnosis or to prevent further complications.
Routine exams also help create a partnership between you and your family physician. After all, they get to know you and your medical history. This makes it easier for them to provide the best care and advice tailored to your individual needs.
Family physicians provide care for patients of all ages. That means they can create a lifelong health plan to help you stay healthy and prevent disease.
They can also cater to your entire family’s needs.
When to Visit Your Family Physician for Routine Exams
It’s vital to book regular visits with your family physician even when you don’t have symptoms. Aim to consult your doctor at least once a year for a physical exam and other routine tests.
However, depending on your age and risk factors, you may need to see them more often.
The same goes if you have any specific health concerns that need to be assessed. Take, for example, a family history of certain diseases.
You can ensure potential issues are addressed by staying on top of your health through routine exams and screenings. This is key to keeping yourself healthy and happy for years to come.
Trusted Family Physician in Irmo, SC
Are you looking for a trusted family physician in Irmo? You can rely on the highly experienced and trained providers at SC Internal Medicine Associates and Rehabilitation, LLC. Our physicians are committed to providing the highest quality medical services to patients in Irmo and the surrounding communities. We have been designated a Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH), which is a recognition of our unique approach to care that focuses on improving the patient’s health and overall experience and reducing the cost of receiving care.
To schedule an appointment with us, call our office today at (803) 749-1111, or use our convenient online request form.
We look forward to helping you stay on top of your health!
