HealthSmarts: 10 steps to a good physical

WASHINGTON, June 14 (UPI) -- For years, the routine physical has been a standard of American healthcare. As children, we were reluctantly dragged into pediatricians' office every summer sometime before the first day of school. Most of us continue this tradition into adulthood, scheduling that once-a-year appointment with our physicians.

With American healthcare becoming more fragmented, many patients are questioning the need for the yearly physical. I hear more patients grumbling that the physical is a "waste of time" and that "they don't do anything there anyway." Usually, the appointments are "too rushed" and patients complain that "I had to see a doctor I have never seen before."

Let's be honest: How often do we remember to schedule that yearly appointment? While many of the complaints about today's appointments are valid, ignoring our health because of a faulty system only hurts us in the long run. Our bodies require as much preventive maintenance as our cars and homes.

In the current healthcare system, patients will have to be more proactive about their own health. I still believe in the yearly physical but would recommend that patients learn to prepare for their appointment just as they would prepare for a business meeting or interview.

Here are 10 useful steps:

1. Do your homework

When scheduling the appointment for your physical, it is a good idea to do a little homework first. First, research your physician and determine the type of physical you would like. Would you like to be seen by a physician specializing in internal medicine or family practice? Maybe as a female you would like someone specializing in women's health. Finally, an emerging group of integrative medicine physicians offer more comprehensive and lengthier physicals. The type of physician you choose is dependent upon your own medical needs and values.

Pre-physical homework also includes scheduling the appointment with your physician of choice and clarifying the amount of time that you will have with your physician. Will this be a 10-minute appointment or an hourlong appointment? If the appointment time seems too short, you can ask for more time with the doctor. Not only will this give you more time to discuss your health concerns, it will also prepare the physician for a longer appointment.

2. Take a pre-physical self-inventory

The days and weeks prior to your appointment are a wonderful time to take an inventory of your own health. I advise keeping a 1-2 week record of your sleep patterns and exercise frequency. For a couple of days, record your diet history by writing down everything you eat and drink. Think about your family history and write down any illnesses that have affected immediate relatives. Pay attention to areas of pain and discomfort in your body.

3. Prepare a list of questions

Yes, it is true -- many physician appointments today are rushed. In addition to your self-inventory, I would also write down a list of questions that you have about your health. If your doctor seems hurried or your appointment rushed, then you can refer back to this list, helping to keep the appointment more focused.

4. Arrive on time or early

An early arrival ensures that the process of registering will not eat into your appointment time. This also gives you more time to relax before being rushed into the examining room.

5. Make use of your homework

So, after all the homework and preparation, the big moment has arrived. Your physician enters the room, and your physical begins. This is your chance to show off your homework. Even if your physician does not ask for your self-inventory, I would show it to her and ask for her opinions. I would go through the questions on your list and listen carefully to any concerns that the physician may have. Most importantly, when confused about information, ask for clarification. Don't be shy to repeat questions or to ask for additional explanation.

6. Take notes and write down recommendations

It is easy to forget medical information and become confused about recommendations. Take notes and write everything down, so that after the appointment, there is no confusion.

7. Obtain all screening exams

Your physician will likely perform or recommend specific screening exams dependent on your age and gender. For example, all women need monthly breast exams and yearly Pap smears, while men need testicular exams. Both men and women should have a skin exam, looking for new moles or any irregular changes in pigmentation. Blood pressure and cholesterol screening should be conducted in men and women every year. Women need mammograms after age 40, while men need prostate cancer screening. Finally, screening exams for colon cancer are done in women and men after age 50.

I have mentioned only the most common screening exams, but your physician may recommend additional exams and lab tests. Again, always clarify if you are confused about why you are obtaining certain tests.

8. Ask about follow-up visits.

If certain health issues are discovered during the physical, your physician may want you to schedule a follow-up appointment. You may want an additional appointment for concerns that may not have been addressed.

9. Remember to follow up on all lab results

It is a good idea to call the office a few days after your appointment to obtain your lab or radiology results. Again, ask questions if any of the results seem confusing.

10. Keep records of the visit

Keeping your own medical records is important, particularly if you change physicians next year or move to another location. Physicians always appreciate patients who can provide them with records of their health.

With a little preparation, your yearly physical does not have to be a "waste of time." Rather, it can provide you with important information about your health and arm you with preventive strategies for the future. So, don't delay -- make that next appointment and take advantage of the opportunity to re-evaluate your health.

About the Author: Dr. Bhatia is a physician and fellow at the University of Arizona Program in Integrative Medicine. She has practiced pediatric emergency medicine for seven years and is certified in holistic medicine, nutrition and acupuncture. She is a recurring medical guest on CNN/Headline News.