Annual physicals present an excellent opportunity to assess your health and build a relationship with your doctor. At Candid Primary Care in Coppell, Texas, board-certified internal medicine doctor and primary care specialist Monsur Ali, DO, uses annual physicals to identify acute and chronic health problems and help adults live happy and active lives. Call the office today to schedule an annual physical, or make your appointment online.
request an appointmentWhat are annual physicals?
An annual physical, or wellness check, is a routine procedure used to assess your physical and mental well-being. Visiting Dr. Ali at least once a year can alert you to underlying health problems and help you maintain optimal health.
What types of health problems can annual physicals diagnose?
At Candid Primary Care, Dr. Ali uses annual physicals to diagnose various health problems, including:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Thyroid abnormalities
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Chronic kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Bladder dysfunction
- Cancer
Dr. Ali diagnoses behavioral issues as well, including depression, anxiety, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
What do annual physicals involve?
At Candid Primary Care, annual physicals feature several steps, including:
Step one: General assessment
Dr. Ali measures and weighs you, listens to your heart and respiratory rate, and takes your pulse and blood pressure.
Step two: Review your medical history
He then asks about your health, including any unusual symptoms you’re experiencing.
Let Dr. Ali know if you’ve been diagnosed with a chronic health problem like high blood pressure and if you take prescription medication. Answer all of his questions honestly. Dr. Ali isn’t there to judge you, but your responses help guide treatment.
Step three: Physical exam
Dr. Ali checks your skin and scalp for unusual moles or growths. He looks in your eyes, ears, nose, and throat; observes your gait, posture, and the way you move; tests your reflexes and muscle strength; and examines each organ group, gently palpating your abdomen.
Then, Dr. Ali completes sex-specific screenings, like a Pap smear or a prostate exam.
Step four: Lab tests
Dr. Ali orders lab tests, such as bloodwork and urinalysis. If it’s time to update your immunizations, he administers those too. If necessary, Dr. Ali can refill prescription medication or refer you to a specialist for additional tests.
Step five: Review your test results
Since the laboratory is on-site, your results are ready the same day. Dr. Ali goes over them with you and explains what they mean.
What should I bring to an annual physical?
Bring the following information to your annual physical at Candid Primary Care:
- List of the allergies or other health problems you’re living with
- Names and contact information for doctors or specialists you’ve recently seen
- Medical and surgical history
- Health insurance information
Most physicals take 45-60 minutes.
Call Candid Primary Care today to schedule an annual physical, or book your appointment online.
