What is an Annual Exam?

An annual exam is for your doctor to check your overall health and notice problems before they become serious. Annual exams are important preventative healthcare!
Watch this ASL video to learn more!

Transcript:
The purpose of an annual exam is for your doctor to check your overall health and identify any potential issues before they become serious.

What will happen during the exam?
There are a few different parts to the annual exam. These parts of the exam may happen in a different order than they are described here but this list is intended to give you an idea of the types of things you can expect during your exam.

Review your medical history: Your doctor or other medical staff will talk to you about health issues you’ve had in the past, how you have been feeling, whether you smoke, drink or use drugs.

Physical examination: Your doctor will check your blood pressure, listen to your heart and lungs, check different areas of your body, and weight.

Screenings and tests: Depending on your age, gender identity, and health, your doctor may want to do different screenings or tests. This could be blood tests, urine tests, or a pap smear. Your doctor might refer you for other screenings such as mammograms and colonoscopies which look for signs of different kinds of cancers.

Vaccinations and other preventative care: You can ask your doctor for COVID-19 and Flu vaccines and your doctor may offer other vaccines such as shingles, Hepatitis B, or pneumococcal vaccine.

Is there anything I can do to prepare for the appointment?
Talk to your family members about any health issues they have experienced. Knowing this information can help you share an up-to-date family medical history with your doctor.

Make a list of all medications and supplements you are taking. The list should include over-the-counter medications, prescription medications, vitamins, or other supplements.

Think about any questions you might have for your doctor. Write them down in a list to bring with you to the appointment. This could be things you have noticed and want the doctor to look at you’re your appointments. You might have questions about medications you are taking, or concerns about your health.

Sometimes your doctor will want to do a blood test. They may tell you to fast before your appointment. This means you don't eat for a period of time before your appointment. They might say "don't eat or drink anything except water starting 4 hours before your appointment." Bring a snack with you to the appointment if you think you will be hungry after the blood test.

Go to bed early and get a good night’s sleep the night before your appointment. This will help you be more relaxed and feel good when you meet with your doctor.

An annual exam is usually covered by health insurance plans. Going annually can help you be healthy by identifying issues before they become serious, addressing symptoms or side effects of medication, and having information about you and your body.