Annual exams are a smart choice for nearly everyone.
These exams are important for a couple of reasons.
Annual Exam
When you have an annual exam at CareMD of La Mesa,
Nisha Kuruvadi, DO, DABOM can find potential health problems of which you’re completely unaware.
For example, did you know that diabetes usually has no obvious symptoms in its early stages? If you have an annual exam, Dr. Kuruvadi can identify the early signs of diabetes or other silent health problems like hypertension so you can immediately take action.
Another important reason to have annual exams is that they can help you prevent health problems. At CareMD of La Mesa, taking aggressive preventive health care measures can stop common health problems from ever emerging. During your annual exam, Dr. Kuruvadi discusses your health risks and helps you take the necessary preventive care steps.
What does my annual physical exam include?
Your annual physical exam is a comprehensive health evaluation. In general, an annual physical exam usually includes the following things.
- Height and weight check
- Basic vision screening
- Basic hearing test
- Reflex test
- Heart health check, which may include an EKG
- Blood pressure check
- Flexibility test
- Very sophisticated Laboratory testing (blood tests)
- Ear, nose, and throat exam
- Abdominal exam
- Skin exam
You may need additional tests or services based on your current and past health issues, so the team at CareMD of La Mesa can customize your annual exam for your unique needs.
How do I prepare for annual exams?
Before your annual exam, make sure that you provide the team with all the information regarding your health history. If you’ve visited other doctors or health care facilities over the last year (or since your last annual exam with the team), ask those providers to send records to the office ahead of your annual exam.
Bring your current medications, or a detailed medication list, to your appointment. Include everything you currently take or have taken recently, even over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or cough syrup. Herbal supplements also count.
If you need to fast before laboratory testing, the team will let you know when you schedule the appointment.