An annual physical exam is an important check up to examine your overall health. A physician will go through a series of questions and allow you to mention any health concerns you may have. During your annual physical exam, the physician will go over your:

• Vital signs – The doctor will review your blood pressure, temperature, heart rate and respiration rate to ensure all levels are normal and healthy.
• Medical history – This is a great opportunity to bring up any health concerns you may have. Your physician will also ask about lifestyle factors such as smoking and drinking habits. Additionally, your doctor will look over past medical conditions and vaccination history.
• Heart exam – By using a stethoscope, your physician will listen to your heart to ensure normal function.
• Lung exam – Next, the doctor will use the stethoscope to listen to your breathing and ensure your lungs sound healthy.
• Abdominal exam – The physician will use techniques such as palpating your stomach to observe tenderness and the presence of abdominal fluid. Using a stethoscope, the doctor will listen to your bowel sounds.

Depending on your medical history, your doctor may add a neurological exam, a dermatological exam or an extremities exam to your annual physical exam. If you are a man, your physical may include a testicular, prostate and penis exam. If you are a woman, your physical may include a breast and pelvic exam.

An annual physical exam is a more thorough version of an annual checkup. You can receive an annual exam that does not include a physical component. During an annual exam, your physician will still inquire about your medical history and often check your vital signs. However, in order to receive a full examination, a physical exam is recommended. An annual physical exam covers many aspects of your health, and may include an examination of the reproductive organs. In summary, a physical exam is a comprehensive examination of your wellness, while a simple annual exam can be less thorough.

A yearly physical exam is very useful in providing an indication of your general health and wellness. To prepare for your annual physical examination, it is recommended to:

• Gather a list of the medications you take
• Write a list of medical concerns you may want to address

Your physician will begin your annual physical exam by asking you questions about your general health. It is advised to take this opportunity to consult your doctor about any medical concerns you may have. Next, your doctor will proceed by listening to your heart, lungs and abdomen. With your permission, your doctor will use a palpating motion to examine your body for abnormalities. In addition, the physician may perform a head and neck exam, a skin exam or an exam of your extremities. Your muscle strength, balance, coordination and reflexes may also be tested. Depending on your general health and age, your doctor may recommend further screenings at your annual physical exam, such as:

• Complete blood count (CBC) test
• Blood chemistry panel
• Urinalysis
• Colonoscopy
• Blood glucose level

To conclude your visit, your doctor will review key points about your general wellness with you, and make recommendations to improve and upkeep your health for the year to come.

Annual physical exams are offered by urgent care centers. In fact, annual physical exams are available on a walk-in basis at Plymouth Urgent Care and Bloomfield Urgent Care. If your primary care physician is not available or you require an exam on a walk-in basis, it is advised to visit an urgent care center. We offer the highest quality of medical care, which is accessible and affordable. If it is time for you to receive your annual physical exam, we will provide you with the highest level of service and comfort during your visit. Urgent Medical Care provides affordable urgent care services. We are fast and affordable. We have two locations to serve you in Plymouth and Bloomfield Hills areas. We serve patients from Plymouth MI, Bloomfield Hills MI, Livonia MI, Novi MI, Worden MI, Canton MI, Southfield MI, Troy MI, Farmington Hills MI, and surrounding areas!