Preventative Health and What Your Annual Physical Is Missing

Every year patients see their primary care physician for an annual physical exam. It typically follows the same pattern: you show up, answer questions on your health, get your blood pressure checked, get your weight checked, maybe have some routine labs drawn, and maybe get some vaccinations. For most people, the annual physical feels like a box to check during the year and nothing more to be concerned about.

But, the standard physical through a traditional primary care model in reality focuses more on symptoms and health concerns already present than anticipating what might come.

What a Standard Physical Actually Checks

A standard physical exam covers the basics. In an annual exam through a traditional primary care physician, you can typically expect:

• Blood pressure and heart rate
• Height, weight, and BMI
• Basic metabolic panel and lipid profile
• A review of any current medications or symptoms
• Referrals if something concerns the doctor

These are also useful preventative measures. But, there are some things missing from the list. For example, most annual physical exams do not evaluate inflammation markers like high-sensitivity CRP. There is no assessment of hormonal balance, insulin sensitivity, nutrient status, or genetic predispositions. In addition, because annual physical exams tend to only be about 30 minutes long, the exam lacks an in-depth conversation on how sleep, stress levels, and daily patterns may be impacting long-term health.

The Problem with “Everything Looks Fine”

The phrase “everything looks fine” is usually a reassurance that there is technically nothing currently wrong. However, it may mask concerns that will eventually bubble up. For example, a fasting glucose level of 99 is normal because it is below 100 mg/dl. But, it is one point away from a prediabetic level. Because of the short time given to annual physical exams, not every problem lurking under the surface can be identified.

For proactive patients who are health-conscious and want to stay ahead of their health problems before they become a diagnosis, this answer may not satisfy.

Luckily, there is a solution to the short time period of annual physical exams that also covers what a standard physical exam may lack. The answer lies in concierge medicine.

The Solution: Proactive Healthcare Through Concierge Medicine

A concierge medicine practice offers longer physical exams, usually lasting 90 minutes to 2 hours. Here’s a little of what it covers:

• Advanced diagnostics: including extended lipid panels, inflammatory biomarkers, hormonal assessments, vitamin and micronutrient analysis, and genetic screening
• A stronger patient-doctor relationship: Through a longer appointment, a concierge doctor gets a greater understanding of patient medical history and typical overall health enough to recognize subtle shifts in health.
• More time to assess lifestyle factors: including nutrition, stress, physical activity, and sleep quality
• Coordination and accessibility: direct physician communication access through phone, email, or a secure messaging system where patients can get small concerns addressed by their doctor in between appointments

The annual physical exam shouldn’t go away. It’s a great preventative measure for all patients’ health. But, the way it is conducted is changing. Through concierge medicine, patients can move away from a traditional primary care model in favor of something that addresses their total well-being and takes greater measures to prevent future health concerns before symptoms arise.