1. Why should I have an annual physical?
Annual physicals are essential for maintaining your overall health and well-being. They provide an opportunity for early detection and prevention of potential health issues, as well as a chance to discuss your lifestyle, medical history, and health goals with a healthcare professional.
2. I feel healthy; do I still need an annual physical?
Yes, even if you feel healthy, having an annual physical is still essential. Many health conditions may not have noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Regular check-ups help identify issues before they become more serious.
3. Why are annual physicals and chronic condition follow-up visits scheduled separately?
We separate annual physicals from chronic condition follow-ups to ensure that patients have enough time to address all their health concerns thoroughly. This approach allows for a more comprehensive evaluation of both preventive care and ongoing health management.
4. Can't we cover both the physical and chronic condition follow-up in one visit to save time?
While it may seem convenient to combine visits, it can lead to rushed appointments, potentially overlooking important health issues. Separating the visits provides dedicated time for each aspect of your healthcare, ensuring a more thorough evaluation and personalized care.
5. Will I be charged a copay for both visits if they are scheduled separately?
By scheduling visits separately, most insurance providers will not charge an additional copay for an annual physical, as it is considered preventive care. Chronic condition follow-up visits or sick visits may have copays based on your insurance plan, but are vital for managing ongoing health needs effectively. Since you may have a copay, we would rather schedule a separate appointment of 30 minutes to address non-preventative concerns.
6. How will separating visits benefit my health?
Separating visits allows our healthcare providers to focus on specific aspects of your health during each appointment. This approach ensures that preventive screenings, vaccinations, and lifestyle discussions are thoroughly addressed during your annual physical, while chronic conditions are managed with personalized care during follow-up visits.
7. Can I bring up an acute health issue during my annual physical?
While annual physicals focus on preventive care and overall health assessment, you are welcome to discuss ONE acute health issue or immediate concern with your healthcare provider during the visit. Please be aware that this will incur a copay (if you have one), even though it was discussed during your annual physical exam.
8. Will my healthcare provider have enough time to address my acute issue during the physical?
Our healthcare providers aim to provide comprehensive care during annual physicals. While time is allocated for preventive screenings and discussions, they will do their best to address your acute issue during the visit. If further evaluation is required, a follow-up appointment may be scheduled.
9. Will there be a co-pay if I have an acute issue to discuss at my physical.
If your insurance normally requires a copay, you will incur one for addressing the acute issue even though there usually is no copay for just the annual physical. Since you might have a copay, we would rather schedule another appointment of 30 minutes to address non-preventative concerns.