Annual Wellness Visit

Routine wellness exams can significantly reduce the risk of chronic health problems. By undergoing preventive screenings and staying up-to-date on your immunizations, you can live a long, healthy, and active life. At I40First in Amarillo, Texas, primary care physician Julito Uy, MD, George Peterson, DNP, FNP-C, and their superior team offer wellness exams to people ages five and older. To make an appointment in Amarillo, Texas, call the office, or click the online booking tool today.

What are wellness exams?

Wellness exams try to identify underlying medical conditions early on when they’re most responsive to treatment. That, in turn, saves you money, reduces the risk of potentially serious side effects, and improves your quality of life.

If you start experiencing unusual symptoms, like joint pain that doesn’t improve with rest or blurred vision, make an appointment at I40First. After a complete exam, your provider can identify the underlying cause and make recommendations to help you feel better.

What happens during a wellness exam?

I40First tailors wellness exams to each individual’s needs. Even so, most appointments follow the same basic steps:

Step one - Physical exam

First, your provider conducts a complete physical. They check your skin for any abnormal moles or growths; weight and measure you; check your blood pressure; test your reflexes; palpate your organs; and examine your ears, nose, and throat. The team will also order any additional screening labs as necessary. 

Step two - Discussion of your lifestyle and family history

Next, your provider asks about your lifestyle, including how often you exercise, if you smoke or drink alcohol, and if you have any underlying medical conditions. They also ask if certain issues run in your family, like high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

Step three - Sex-specific screenings

After discussing your lifestyle and medical history, your provider conducts sex-specific exams. That might mean a Pap smear and a breast exam, or a testicular exam and a digital rectal exam (DRE). These tests try to identify certain types of cancer early on, like cervical cancer, breast cancer, testicular cancer, and prostate cancer.

Step four - Updating immunizations and prescription medications

Lastly, your provider administers any immunizations you might need. If you take prescription medication, they can also provide refills or recommend alternatives. 

Why are wellness exams important?

Wellness exams are important because they present an opportunity to check in on your physical health. Many chronic diseases don’t present symptoms early on. Annual wellness exams at I40First can alert you to potential issues, allowing you to live a long and healthy life.

If it’s been more than a year since your last wellness exam, make an appointment at I40First by calling the office or clicking the online booking feature today.