Start the new year by taking a proactive approach to your health. Make your well-being a priority by scheduling your annual primary care visit today!

Annual primary care visits are essential for preventing illness, detecting potential health concerns early, and maintaining overall well-being. At  TopLine MD Alliance, we encourage you to take charge of your health by making these visits a regular part of your healthcare routine – not just this year, but every year.

Keep reading to learn the many benefits of prioritizing annual checkups, what tests and screenings are included, and how to prepare for each visit so you can make the most of it. TopLine MD Alliance affiliated primary care providers are committed to helping you achieve your personal health goals.

Benefits of annual primary care visits

Annual primary care visits provide an opportunity to assess your overall health, screen for any developing health issues, build a stronger relationship with your primary care provider, and so much more.

Early detection of illnesses and other health concerns

TopLine MD Alliance affiliated primary care providers are trained to identify and manage health conditions early, including chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes – two of the most common health risks that often show no symptoms in their early stages. These visits can help detect warning signs such high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or high blood sugar levels. Preventative cancer screenings also improve the chances of identifying cancer in the earliest stages, when it’s most treatable.

Developing a baseline of your health

To spot potential health issues early, your primary care provider will need a baseline to compare changes over time. Annual primary care visits let us track key health readings over time, helping detect any concerning trends. A lot can change in a year, so it’s important to keep your medical records up to date. Be sure to inform your primary care provider about any changes that could affect your health, such as medication changes or updates to your family medical history.

Building a better doctor-patient relationship

Your TopLine MD Alliance affiliated primary care provider wants to be your long-term healthcare partner. Annual primary care visits provide a chance to establish trust and allow your provider to better understand your health concerns and goals. Unlike sick visits, annual visits emphasize the preventive care you need to stay healthy. Use this time to ask questions, share your personal health goals, and discuss any lifestyle concerns.

Stay updated on vaccines

Children and adults both need to keep vaccines current to protect their health. During your annual primary care visit, your provider will review your vaccination history and ensure that you are up to date. Many patients take advantage of this opportunity to receive an annual flu shot or other necessary vaccines during the same appointment.

What to expect during an annual checkup

Every annual primary care visit is tailored to your individual needs, but most checkups include:

  • Review of your health history – Your providers will ask about any recent changes in your health, review medications, and discuss lifestyle habits such as diet, exercise, smoking, and alcohol use.
  • Vital signs – Your height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, and breathing rate will be measured. Any significant changes may indicate an underlying health concern.
  • Physical exam – This comprehensive head-to-toe assessment includes checking your pulse, listening to your heart and lungs, examining your skin, checking lymph nodes, and testing reflexes.
  • Blood and urine tests – Depending on your age and health status, your provider may order blood work or urine tests to evaluate cholesterol levels, blood sugar, organ function, and other key health markers.
  • Reviewing the results – Your provider will discuss any findings that require follow-up, such as additional testing or referrals to specialists. They may also recommend lifestyle changes to help you maintain or improve your health.

Tests and screenings can save lives

Many providers routinely order a complete blood count, chemistry panel, and urinalysis as part of an annual primary care visit.

The American Heart Association recommends getting a cholesterol test (lipid panel) every 4-6 years, though your primary care provider may recommend annual testing if you have risk factors for heart disease. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States and worldwide.

A blood glucose test helps determine the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood to determine if you have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. The American Diabetes Association recommends annual testing for anyone age 35 or older, though those with risk factors may need testing sooner.

Annual checkups also provide an opportunity to discuss and schedule other preventative screenings, such as:

  • Colonoscopies for colon cancer detection
  • Mammograms for breast cancer screening
  • Other screening based on your personal and family health history

Preparing for annual primary care visits

Most annual primary care visits take just 30 minutes, but preparing ahead of time can help you maximize your time with your provider.

Here are a few simple steps to get the most out of your visit:

  • Write down your questions so you don’t forget anything.
  • Bring a list of your current medications or take photos of the labels on your phone.
  • Take note of any health changes since your last visit, including new symptoms or concerns.
  • If you need blood work or other preventive screenings, complete them before your appointment so you can review the results with your provider.
  • Think about your personal health goals and what support you may need to achieve them.

Annual primary care visits help you prepare for the future by ensuring your health is on the right track today. By giving your providers a comprehensive picture of your well-being, you can work together to maintain and improve your health.

Find a TopLine MD Alliance affiliated provider near you

TopLine MD Alliance was created by physicians who came together to make healthcare experiences better for patients. We help patients navigate the healthcare system, connecting them with top-of-the-line healthcare providers, practices, diagnostic centers, and imaging centers we trust.

To find a TopLine MD Alliance affiliated primary care provider near you, visit us online today.

The TopLine MD Alliance is an association of independent physicians and medical practice groups who are committed to providing a higher standard of healthcare services. The members of the TopLine MD Alliance have no legal or financial relationship with one another. The TopLine MD Alliance brand has no formal corporate, financial or legal ties to any of the affiliated physicians or practice groups.