Routine Physicals
Regularly meeting with your medical provider, even when you’re feeling well, is key to optimizing your health. Routine physicals help providers monitor and manage your overall well-being. They give you a chance to talk over new symptoms and ensure your lifestyle is helping you reach your health goals. Astera Health primary care providers offer routine physical examinations at convenient locations throughout Central Minnesota, so you can have your annual exam at a clinic convenient to you.
Who needs routine physicals—and when
Everyone needs routine physicals. Also known as a checkup, these visits should occur once a year through every age and stage.
On top of annual physical exams, you or your loved ones may require similar checkups at other times. Additional physicals may be necessary in the following situations:
- Beginning a new sports season
- Prior to receiving a life insurance policy
- Starting a new job (especially if the job is physically demanding)
What to expect during routine physicals
A standard checkup is intended to be a review of your overall health. During routine physicals, you spend a lot of time talking about your medical history. Your provider will ask about:
- Eating and exercise habits
- Family health issues that may increase your risk for certain conditions
- Mental health
- Use of alcohol, drugs, or tobacco
Depending on your needs, your exam may also include:
- Blood tests. Your primary care provider can test your blood sugar and cholesterol levels and other health markers through Astera’s lab services. This information helps determine your risk for or the presence of heart disease, diabetes, and other medical conditions.
- Discussions about cancer screenings. As you get older, you may need screenings to detect breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, or prostate cancer. Your provider will discuss these screenings based on your individual needs.
- Vaccinations. Based on your age and other health issues, you may benefit from immunization from flu, COVID-19, shingles, or another disease.
- Vital signs check. Your provider will listen to your heart, check for high blood pressure, take your temperature, and check for breathing issues.
Make the most of your annual physical exam
Scheduling routine physicals helps you stay on top of your health. Take full advantage of your annual appointment with the following tips:
- Be open and honest with your provider.
- Make a list of all your current medications and supplements.
- Write down any questions you have beforehand, so you leave with answers that empower you to take control of your health.
Wellness with Medicare coverage
A year after enrolling in Medicare, you become eligible for a special yearly visit. Unlike routine physicals, the purpose of this exam is to create or update a personalized health plan that aims to help you avoid disability or disease.
This appointment includes the following:
- Advanced care planning assistance
- Evaluation of your prescriptions
- Discussion of your personal and family medical history
- Health advice based on your lifestyle and goals
Find a family medicine provider at Astera to schedule your routine physical.
Why choose Astera Health?
When you need medical care, you want to ensure you’re getting the best care possible. Astera strives to ensure that all patients always receive a high level of service. Patients love our clinics for all of the following reasons:
Care for all ages
We provide comprehensive services for all ages, from young children to older adults.
Personalized treatment
We develop customized treatment plans to meet the unique needs of every patient, ensuring they receive the best care.
Compassionate care
Our medical staff takes a personal interest in all our patients, providing compassionate care in your time of need.