Annual Physicals

Why are annual physicals important?

An annual physical is a preventive medical exam that you schedule once a year, even when you’re feeling well. The goals of a physical are to assess your overall health and to identify potential medical issues in the earliest stage, when they’re easiest to treat.

Align Family Medicine offers annual physicals and sports physicals for adults and children that meet the requirements of schools, employers, and sports organizations. Women’s health exams are also available as part of a routine physical.

Lauren assesses many aspects of your health to ensure your quality of life is high and that existing medical conditions are well-controlled. 

What can I expect during annual physicals?

Your annual physical at Align Family Medicine starts with a review of your personal and family medical histories and your current health. Lauren asks questions about your diet, exercise routine, lifestyle, and other factors that influence your physical and mental well-being.

You can also expect a head-to-toe exam where Lauren checks for swelling, rashes, and other abnormalities. She completes an assessment of vital health components, such as your:

• Weight
• Heart rate
• Reflexes
• Lung function
• Blood pressure

Lauren may also request bloodwork and other lab tests if you have risk factors for high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic diseases. If she identifies an underlying condition during your physical, Lauren continues to manage your health needs through chronic disease management visits.

Additionally, Lauren can provide customized wellness resources to enhance your existing health and reduce your risk factors for preventable diseases. She offers nutritional counseling, exercise recommendations, mental health referrals, and other resources to help you live a long, active life.

Medicare Annual Wellness Visits

A Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is available once per year for individuals enrolled in Medicare Part B for at least 12 months. At Align Family Medicine, these visits focus on preventive care and long-term health planning rather than treating illness or injury.

During your visit, Lauren Davis, PA-C, works with you to create or update a personalized health prevention plan. This includes reviewing your medical history, assessing risk factors, and identifying strategies to support healthy aging, independence, and overall well-being.

Medicare Annual Wellness Visits are designed to help you stay proactive about your health, reduce the risk of future complications, and ensure your care plan evolves as your needs change. To schedule a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit for yourself or a loved one, call the Helena, Montana, office or book an appointment online.

What are the benefits of annual physicals?

A primary benefit of an annual physical is the early identification of underlying health issues that may not initially cause symptoms. Early detection of potentially serious conditions like hypertension (high blood pressure) allows you to get treatment right away, before the disease progresses.

Your annual physical is also an ideal time to update vaccinations that protect against contagious illnesses, such as the seasonal flu and measles.

Additionally, Lauren can provide customized wellness resources to enhance your existing health and reduce your risk factors for preventable diseases. She offers nutritional counseling, exercise recommendations, mental health referrals, and other resources to help you live a long, active life.

Call Align Family Medicine today to schedule an annual physical for yourself or your family. You can also use the online feature to book an appointment.