7 Reasons Why You Need a Primary Care Physician and an Annual Physical

A key part of better health starts with seeing a trusted primary care physician and having regular annual physical exams. Often, we put off regular checkups and seeing our primary care doctor until we’re sick or showing symptoms. The truth is annual physical exams with your primary care doctor aren’t just a quick check-in; they’re a proactive step toward staying healthy, helping to prevent, manage and detect any health issues. 

What is a primary care doctor?

Primary care doctors are well-rounded healthcare experts for non-emergency medical needs. Their specialty is your overall health as they keep your physical, emotional and mental health in check, whether that is by addressing colds and infections or managing long-term conditions like diabetes and hypertension. Your primary care doctor is your go-to expert when it comes to general health questions, tests, vaccinations, medications, or referrals to specialists like dermatologists or psychiatrists. 

What happens during an annual physical exam?

During an annual physical exam with your primary care doctor, you can expect a complete health-checkup. Your doctor will review your medical history and check your vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate and temperature. They may also recommend preventive care measures, such as vaccinations or routine screenings, based on your age, lifestyle and health needs. These tests and checkups create a record of your health metrics, which are important to track and see if any changes happen over time.

7 reasons why having a primary care physician, and an annual physical exam are important for your health

1. Build a trusted relationship with your healthcare provider: Healthcare isn’t a one-size-fits-all, and most people aren’t interested in talking to a complete stranger about their personal health concerns or needs. A primary care doctor provides consistent care, helping you build trust over time. Being able to openly communicate with your primary care doctor means getting advice and recommendations that match your health needs as they gain a deeper understanding of your medical history, needs and preferences. By attending your annual physical exam, you get the opportunity to build upon this relationship. Seeing your doctor on a regular basis makes you more likely to feel comfortable sharing symptoms or asking questions, which leads to better communication and care that fits your needs.
2. Preventative measures to catch conditions early by establishing baseline health metrics: Having a primary care doctor in your corner is key to detecting health issues early on. Chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and hypertension often develop over time and without obvious symptoms in the early stages. Annual physical exams create a baseline for your primary care doctor and allow them to spot any changes in your health and intervene before major complications occur. Knowing what’s “normal” for your body makes it easier to detect when something is off, whether it’s an unusual lab result or a sudden increase in blood pressure. This information helps your primary care doctor diagnose and treat you more effectively.
3. Make chronic condition management easier: If you are living with a chronic illness like asthma, arthritis or diabetes, you know that it involves constant management. Your primary care doctor can help create a routine, adjust your medications as needed or provide guidance on lifestyle changes to improve your quality of life. An annual exam can be used as an opportunity to check your management plan to see what works and what doesn’t. It could be anything from adjusting medications and diet to checking for any potential complications.
4. Save money with preventative healthcare: Seeing your primary care doctor regularly can actually save you money on healthcare in the long run. Preventive care is far less expensive than emergency treatments or surgeries that could have been avoided through early detection. For example, spotting and managing high cholesterol early can lower your risk of heart disease. With early treatment using diet and medication, you might avoid costly surgeries later. These routine visits not only improve the outcome of your health and treatment plan, but also your budget.
5. Refer you to the right specialist: Your primary care doctor doesn’t work alone. They serve as your navigator when issues arise and can refer you to specialists. By regularly seeing your primary care provider at your annual visits, they become familiar with your communication preferences and will know how to match you with other specialists.
6. Stay up to date on vaccinations: Staying current on vaccines can protect you against diseases like influenza, shingles, pneumonia and even certain cancers, depending on your age and medical history. During your annual exam, your doctor can check if you’re up to date on necessary vaccinations and boost your immunity against preventable illnesses.
7. Lifestyle advice and mental health monitoring: Besides medications and screenings, your primary care doctor can offer lifestyle advice and guidance on diet, tobacco use and exercise, which can impact on your overall health. Equally important to your physical health is your mental health. Conditions such as depression, anxiety and stress can all be discussed and monitored by your primary care doctor.

Think of your primary care doctor as your health coach. With their advice, you can adopt small changes today that prevent major challenges tomorrow.

Take charge of your health today

No matter your age or stage of life, having a primary care doctor and an annual checkup is more than just checking off boxes; it’s an investment in yourself. If it’s been a while since your last checkup, there’s no better time than now to prioritize preventative care. 

Schedule your annual physical today. Your health, your future and your loved ones will thank you for it.