Tips and Tools

Tips for Your Next Visit to the Clinic

If you're not visiting your doctor on a yearly basis, it's never too late to start. In fact, annual physical exams become more important as we age, particularly to be tested for conditions that we cannot detect ourselves. If you have specific concerns, you might want to write them down before your visit - this will help to ensure that you don't forget to mention something of importance to your physician.

General:

After discussing your medical history and any specific concerns you may have, a physical exam will follow, which may include the following:

• Measurements: Your physician or a nurse will take your blood pressure and measure your height and weight.
• Head check: Your doctor will examine your eyes, ears, nose and throat.
• General body check: Your doctor will check for rashes, swelling or anything else that may seem out of the ordinary. Specifically, he or she will look for enlarged glands by feeling under your arms, your neck, and along your body. He or she will also listen to your heartbeat using a stethoscope, and listen to your breathing.

If it is a general physical exam, your doctor may also ask for blood and urine tests.

Last Modified: September 5, 2006