Annual Physicals Q & A

Why Do I Need an Annual Physical?​​​

Annual physicals are recommended by the First Care Medical Clinic physicians as part of your preventive health care plan. These physicals allow your provider the opportunity to evaluate your overall health and wellness, even when you’re not sick.

In addition to assessing how well your body is functioning, annual physicals provide a chance for the medical team to identify potentially serious health issues in their earliest stages. This is especially important because many conditions don’t show symptoms until the disease has advanced.

When the First Care Medical Clinic team detects early signs of disease during an annual physical, they can start you on treatment quickly to prevent a worsening of your condition.

Which Types of Physicals are Available?​

In addition to annual physicals, the First Care Medical Clinic team offers comprehensive, in-office physicals to meet the specific requirements of many organizations. You can schedule:

• Disability exams
• Sports physicals
• School physicals
• Asbestos physicals
• Insurance physicals
• Immigration physicals
• Return-to-work exams
• Pre-employment physicals

You can also request well-child checkups, so the First Care Medical Clinic providers can ensure your children are healthy and developing on track, even when they’re feeling great. The team also offers infant immunization appointments to protect your baby from contagious diseases like measles, hepatitis, and chickenpox.

What Can I Expect During My Annual Physical?​​

During your annual physical, your First Care Medical Clinic provider reviews your personal and family medical history and discusses any new symptoms or changes in your health you’ve experienced since your last physical.

Your doctor also physically examines your body, checking for abnormalities, like pain, swelling, or signs of infection. They note important information about your:

• Vision
• Hearing
• Heart rhythm
• Lung function
• Blood pressure
• Height and weight

Your provider also tests your flexibility, strength, reflexes, and overall range of motion.

If you have a family history of certain diseases, like diabetes or high cholesterol, you may also need additional health screenings and blood work. The First Care Medical Clinic offices all have on-site medical labs for quick test results.

First Care Medical Clinic also offers all necessary immunizations for children and adults, including the seasonal flu shot. Annual physicals are a great time to ensure everyone in your family is up to date on vaccinations.

If your doctor detects any health issues that need to be treated, they discuss your options during your appointment. Otherwise, you can expect to return to your usual routine with no limitations.

To schedule an annual physical or other specialized exams, call the First Care Medical Clinic office nearest you today or request an appointment online now.