What is an annual physical?
Let’s face it—life gets busy, and your health can sometimes take a backseat. It’s easy to skip that yearly doctor’s appointment between work, family, and everything else on your plate. But an annual physical is one of the simplest and most important ways to check in with your body and with your doctor. It’s your chance to pause, take stock of your health, and make a plan to stay on track.
That said, getting to that appointment isn’t always easy. According to a 2023 National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) report, over 100 million Americans—nearly one-third of the country—don’t have a primary care provider. Add to that the average wait time for first-time patients to see a primary care doctor is 20.6 days, and it’s no wonder many people delay or skip their annual physical altogether.
What’s included in a standard annual physical?
Most annual physicals cover the basics. These visits typically include:
A review of your medical history to identify any patterns or potential risk factors
Basic lab tests like blood work to check for common issues such as high cholesterol or diabetes
A quick physical exam to check your vitals (blood pressure, heart rate, temperature), listen to your heart and lungs, and look for any obvious concerns
While these are helpful, they often don’t give the full picture of your health. If you have a family history of certain conditions or specific concerns, a standard physical might not dig deep enough to uncover potential risks or provide meaningful prevention strategies.
How we do annual physicals differently
At Executive Medical Centers of Ohio, we think your health deserves more than just the basics. As a concierge primary care practice, we provide personalized, comprehensive care beyond a standard physical.
Our executive physicals are designed to examine your health more thoroughly, giving you a full understanding of your current situation and how to move forward.
Here’s what makes our physicals different:
Comprehensive testing and evaluations: From advanced screenings like ultrasounds to cardiac stress tests and more, we look at your health from every angle.
A focus on your unique history: We start by diving into your personal and family medical history so we can identify risks and take proactive steps.
Specialized assessments: Tests like the Carotid Intima Medial Thickness and ankle-brachial index help us understand your cardiovascular health in detail.
A proactive plan: After your exam, you’ll receive a clear, detailed report and a plan for the year ahead. Whether managing risk factors, tackling specific goals, or simply staying healthy, we’ll map out the best way forward for you.
This isn’t just a routine checkup—it’s a deep dive into your health, focusing on prevention and long-term wellness.
Why concierge primary care?
Concierge primary care is a personalized healthcare model that gives you unparalleled access to your doctor for one flat membership fee. With fewer patients per doctor, this model allows for:
24/7 access to your doctor: Whether it’s a question after hours or a health concern that just can’t wait, you’ll always have someone to call.
Longer appointment times: Your doctor can spend more time with you, diving into your health history, addressing concerns, and creating a personalized plan.
Proactive care: Instead of rushing through visits, concierge primary care focuses on prevention and keeping you healthy.
This model ensures that your health is always a priority, and it’s the foundation of our work at Executive Medical Centers of Ohio.
Why are annual physicals so important?
Regular checkups are key to avoiding potential health issues even if you feel great. Here’s why they’re so valuable:
They help catch problems early when they’re easier to treat
They focus on prevention, giving you tools to avoid future health problems
They provide you with peace of mind, knowing where you stand with your health
They ensure your care evolves as your needs change over time
When your annual physical is thorough and personalized, it becomes a powerful tool for protecting and improving your health.
Are you interested in learning more about concierge primary care and executive physicals?
Contact us today to take the next step toward personalized, proactive healthcare. We’d love to help you stay ahead of your health and feel confident about your future.