Even if you’re feeling well, you should see your primary care physician at least once a year for a wellness exam. A wellness visit is your opportunity to discuss any of your health concerns. You should also review your current medications and immunizations.
According to Frank M. Tursi, D.O., you should bring in a list of all your questions for your wellness exam. “If we can prevent things, it’s a benefit to you because we can potentially capture it all in one visit.” Because many people don’t know what wellness exams actually are, Dr. Tursi outlines the steps below.
What you can expect at a wellness exam:
- You will be screened for COVID-19 when making your appointment.
- You will be asked to bring all of your medicines with you.
- At the office, your temperature will be taken in the lobby (and face masks will be required according to current protocols).
- You will fill out a questionnaire in the waiting room – update your family history and your own personal history.
- Nurses will review medicines with you so we can confirm you are taking the proper medicines and the correct doses.
- Nurses will check your vision and hearing, blood pressure and vitals.
- If there have been any changes to your health, your doctor will review that part specifically.
- The doctor will conduct a physical exam.
- For women, we might do a breast exam, depending on your history.
- If you are due for other exams, we’ll schedule you for a pap smear, colonoscopy, mammogram, shingles vaccine or tetanus shots, etc. We’ll discuss what you’re eligible for and recommend any necessary screenings.
- We’ll try to get your bloodwork while you’re in the office; this saves you an extra trip somewhere else.
- Generally speaking, if everything is running on schedule, you can expect to be in and out of the office within 30 minutes if you’re coming in for a wellness exam.
Frank M. Tursi, D.O., specializes in family medicine at Millcreek Medical Arts. He is board-certified by American Osteopathic Board Of Family Physicians, Family Practice, Geriatrics. He sees patients from birth to age 99+. Call (814) 864-0690 to schedule an appointment with him.
Call (814) 864-0690 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Tursi.