Annual Wellness Visit Specialist

What is an annual wellness visit?

An annual wellness visit is a routine exam that assesses your physical, mental, and neurological health. You don’t need to be sick to make an appointment. If it’s been more than a year since you last visited the doctor, now is the perfect time to take action.

What is the goal of an annual wellness visit?

At Sycamore Medical Clinic, the team uses annual wellness visits to:

• Identify acute or chronic illnesses 
• Update your immunizations
• Educate you on the importance of diet and exercise
• Conduct preventive screenings

If you have a condition that requires more comprehensive care, the team can even refer you to a medical specialist in the area.

How do I prepare for an annual wellness visit?

To get the most of your annual wellness visit, the team at Sycamore Medical Clinic recommends preparing in advance. Bring these items to your appointment:

• Health insurance information
• A list of the medications and supplements you take
• Information about any chronic or acute conditions you’re living with
• Results from any recent medical tests
• Questions you have

On the day of your appointment, wear comfortable, loose clothing and avoid wearing jewelry or other accessories that might prevent your doctor from conducting a thorough exam.

What does an annual wellness visit involve?

At Sycamore Medical Clinic, the team tailors annual wellness visits to each individual’s needs. Even so, each visit features several steps:

Step one - Vital signs

At the beginning of your wellness visit, your provider measures you, weighs you, and checks your blood pressure. Then, they conduct a hearing and vision check and shine a light in your eyes, ears, nose, and throat. Your provider also tests your reflexes and listens to your heart and respiratory rate.

Step two - Physical exam

Next, your Sycamore Medical Clinic provider asks you to lie down. They gently palpate your organs to determine their size and location. Your provider then assesses your skin, looking for any unusual growths or moles.

Step three - Immunizations and lab work

Following the exam, your provider orders lab tests, including bloodwork and urinalysis. If necessary, they can also update your immunizations. Immunizations protect your body from potentially harmful invaders like viruses and bacteria.

Step four - Preventive screenings

Lastly, your provider conducts a series of preventive screenings based on your age, gender, and medical history. Common examples of preventive screenings include Pap tests, colonoscopy, and digital rectal exams (DRE).  

What are the types of wellness visits?

At Sycamore Medical Clinic, the team offers several types of wellness visits, including:

• Traditional physical exams
• Medicare wellness exams
• Executive physicals
• Sports physicals (for student-athletes)
• Employment physicals
• Dementia screening

If it’s been more than a year since your last annual wellness visit, make an appointment at Sycamore Medical Clinic by calling the office or clicking the online booking feature today.