ANNUAL PHYSICAL EXAM SERVICES OFFERED IN HOUSTON, TX
An annual physical exam ensures that you receive prompt treatment of diseases in their early development. Malini Kumar, MD, at Premier Primary Care in Houston, Texas, offers comprehensive physical exams as part of each patient’s preventive care. Identifying and treating conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes prevents life-threatening consequences of advanced disease. To arrange your annual physical exam, call the office today or schedule an appointment online. Telehealth consultations are available for primary care.
What is an annual physical exam?
An Annual physical exam is a routine medical checkup — an essential part of preventive medicine services that Premier Primary Care provides.
Having an annual physical exam enables Dr. Kumar to identify early signs of ill health and address your risk factors for disease. Treating conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes when they first develop can prevent them from getting worse and even reverse the effects of many chronic diseases.
Waiting until you start experiencing symptoms before visiting your doctor allows these diseases to develop to a more advanced stage, where damage is irreversible. High cholesterol and high blood pressure don’t cause any symptoms, so you never know you have them until you suffer a life-threatening condition like a stroke or heart attack.
Dr. Kumar checks for these diseases and many others at your annual physical exam. She also assesses your risk of future health problems so you can take preventive action.
What happens at an annual physical exam?
Dr. Kumar tailors each patient’s annual physical exam to their specific needs, but the basics are the same for everyone. She begins by asking how you are doing and about your current health problems. Then, she checks your medical history and medications and performs a physical exam, starting with health indicators, such as:
- Temperature
- Heart rate
- Respiration (breathing) rate
- Blood pressure
- Blood oxygen levels
- Heart and lung sounds
- Reflexes
Dr. Kumar examines your joints, abdomen, skin, eyes, ears, and throat. She checks for abnormalities like lumps or skin lesions. She also assesses how well you move and if you have any balance problems and looks for signs of deteriorating mental health or dementia.
Annual physical exams typically involve having tests, including blood tests and certain cancer screenings.
What happens after my annual physical exam?
Following your annual physical exam, Dr. Kumar prepares your health assessment and treatment plan, which may include steps to improve your general health and decrease your risk of disease, such as:
- Losing weight
- Getting more exercise
- Changing your diet
- Improving your sleep quality
- Quitting smoking and alcohol
If Dr. Kumar has any cause for concern after your exam, she refers you for more tests or recommends a specialist where necessary.
To arrange an annual physical exam, call Premier Primary Care or book an appointment online today. Telehealth consultations are available if you need primary care services after a physical exam.