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Annual Physical Examination
Primary Care & Urgent Care in Tacoma, WA
An annual physical examination is an easy, effective way to identify potentially serious medical conditions and protect your well-being. At Tacoma Urgent Care and Wellness Center, the team of urgent care specialists offers annual physical exams to people of all ages. Whether you’ve recently moved to the area and need to establish care, or it’s simply been a while since your last checkup, the team can help. To make an appointment, call the office in Tacoma, Washington, or use the online booking feature today.
Annual Physical Examination FAQ's
What is an annual physical examination?
An annual physical examination presents an opportunity to check in on your general health. You don’t need to feel sick or have any symptoms to benefit. Instead, the goal is to identify potential health concerns early, before they lead to more serious problems.
Undergoing a physical exam at least once a year can provide peace of mind, support healthy aging, and help you maintain your health.
What happens during an annual physical examination?
Your Tacoma Urgent Care and Wellness Center provider tailors your annual physical examination to your age, health history, and needs. However, most annual physicals include:
A review of your general health
Your provider begins your physical by checking your vital signs, including your heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure. They also weigh you and complete a comprehensive exam.
A comprehensive physical involves checking your skin for any unusual moles or growths; examining your eyes, ears, nose, and throat; gently pressing on your abdomen to assess the location and size of your internal organs; and assessing your neurological and mental health.
Immunizations
Next, your provider reviews your medical charts to see whether you need to update any of your immunizations. Most vaccines are administered during childhood and adolescence. However, many adults opt to get a flu or COVID-19 shot to protect themselves during the fall and winter seasons.
Sex- and age-specific preventive screenings
The older you get, the more susceptible you are to chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancer. Depending on your age and health history, your provider may recommend preventive screenings, such as a Pap test, a colonoscopy, or a mammogram.
A conversation with your provider
Last, your provider spends some time asking about your lifestyle and health history. They can also answer any questions you have or address concerns that weren’t covered during the exam itself.
Is an annual physical examination really necessary?
Yes. Scheduling an annual physical exam is important, even if you aren’t experiencing any health problems. Many conditions, such as high cholesterol and diabetes, develop slowly without obvious warning signs. Routine checkups can catch these and other issues early, before they cause more serious complications.
If it’s time to schedule an annual physical examination, call the Tacoma Urgent Care and Wellness Center office or request an appointment online today.