Annual Physical Exams Specialist

What are annual physical exams?

A physical exam is a routine checkup to track your overall health. These preventive assessments allow Dr. Johnson-Caldwell and her team to detect early signs of disease and other conditions that can impact your health and fitness.

They also provide regular opportunities for you to connect with your provider about any concerns or questions you have about your health.

Does everyone need annual physical exams?

The short answer is: yes, everyone needs an annual physical exam. Adolescents should begin seeing their doctor for physical exams when they begin puberty, around age 12. Before that, children should see a doctor for well-child visits. Much like physicals, well-child exams track your child’s growth and development as they age. The Dr. Jennifer Johnson-Caldwell MD team sees patients starting at age 16.

What happens during your annual physical exam changes as you age. A physical for teenagers typically focuses on the physical, emotional, and mental transition into adulthood. Sexual health screenings, such as sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing and contraception counseling, are common during physical exams in this age group.

As you age, your physical exams may include additional tests and screenings, such as:

• Gynecological health screening
• Menopause management
• Bone density testing
• Chronic disease prevention and management
• Skin cancer screening
• Cholesterol check
• Testicular exam
• Pelvic exam
• Immunizations

Depending on your age and medical history, Dr. Johnson-Caldwell and the team may recommend a colonoscopy, mammogram, or lung cancer screening.

What happens during annual physical exams?

A standard physical exam starts with recording your height, weight, heart rate, and blood pressure. The team also takes your temperature when you arrive. Before beginning the physical portion of the exam, your provider reviews your medical history and asks about any new changes to your health or symptoms you’re experiencing.

Physical exams offer an opportunity to connect with your provider. If you have any questions or concerns you want to discuss, write a list before your appointment.

Next, your provider listens to your heart and lungs. They also check your eyes, ears, nose, and throat. To make sure your organs are the right size and in the correct location, they palpate your abdomen.

Finally, they test your reflexes by gently tapping areas of your body, including your knees, with a small medical tool.

If you’re due for a vaccine, the team can administer your necessary immunizations during this visit. They may also order lab tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC) or cholesterol check, to collect additional information regarding your health.

Annual physical exams are important for maintaining your health now and in the future. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Jennifer Johnson-Caldwell MD, call or book online today.