Physical exam checklist

At Advocate Health Care, you have access to primary care services throughout the Chicago metro area. We offer annual exams, vaccinations, health screenings and more to help you stay in your best health.

Is your annual exam coming up soon? You don’t need to do much to prepare, but a few simple steps can make the appointment go more smoothly. Follow our physical exam checklist to make the most out of your visit.

How do I prepare for my annual physical?

There are a few ways you can prepare for your annual physical exam. Even following just one or two of these tips can help you have a more productive visit. You may:

• Ask about your family history: If you haven’t already, consider your family health history before your appointment. Your provider will want to know about any diagnoses affecting your parents, grandparents, siblings or children. You may need to reach out to family members ahead of time to gather this information.

• Collect any applicable health data: If you regularly collect information about your blood pressure, food intake or sleep, be prepared to share it with your provider. This data can give your provider valuable insights about your overall health.

• Consider bringing a support person or interpreter: You may want to bring a trusted loved one to your appointment. They can remind you of what to ask the doctor and help you remember what the doctor tells you. You may also consider whether to ask for an interpreter. We provide language assistance services at no cost to you.

• Complete preventive screenings: Did your doctor order bloodwork last year and you still haven’t completed it? Are you up to date on your mammogram screenings? Getting any preventive screenings done before your annual visit can give your provider more information to discuss during your appointment.

• Make a medication list: It’s important for your provider to know about all medications and supplements you take. Write down exactly what you take, including dosages. It may be helpful to take a picture of the labels if you’re short on time.

• Note any changes to your health history: Did you get a new vaccine since your last annual exam? What about new diagnoses or surgeries? Make sure to bring up any changes to your provider so they can note it in your health record.

• Write down your questions: When the moment arrives, it can be challenging to recall what you wanted to ask your doctor. Keep a running list of any questions or concerns so you can ask your provider for answers or advice.

You may record your medication list, questions and health history changes on paper. Or you can keep a list in an app on your smartphone and update it periodically as needed.

What to bring to your physical

On the day of your appointment, wear comfortable clothing that’s easy to remove if you need to change into a medical gown. You’ll also need to make sure your provider’s office has your:

• Completed medical forms

• Family health history

• Health insurance card

• Medication and supplements list

• Photo identification to verify your insurance, such as a driver’s license, passport or government ID

Your provider may request that you bring these documents to your appointment. Or you may complete forms and upload documents to LiveWell before your appointment.

Find out more about what to expect during your annual exam.

What to ask your doctor during your annual physical

Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor questions. It’s important for you to understand your doctor’s recommendations, so ask for clarification if needed.

Asking questions is also key to taking charge of your health. You may write down questions ahead of your appointment, such as:

• Are there specific instructions I need to follow when taking my medication?

• Do you recommend I make any lifestyle changes?

• How does my family history affect my health risks?

• Should I be worried about the symptoms I’m experiencing?

• What can I do about my health risk factors?

• What health screenings do I need to schedule?

What tests to ask for at a physical

Your provider may already recommend yearly blood tests to check your overall health. Ask your provider what those blood tests evaluate. Many providers will ask you to complete bloodwork before your annual exam so you can review it together during your visit.

You may ask your provider if you need certain tests to check your:

• Complete blood count (CBC): A CBC checks for multiple health conditions, such as infections, anemia or blood clotting disorders. They can give your provider extensive information about your hydration, electrolyte levels and liver and kidney function.

• Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP): Your provider usually orders a CMP to measure different substances in your blood, including calcium, glucose, protein, enzymes and electrolytes. This gives your provider valuable information about your liver and kidney health, metabolism, fluid balance and more.

• Inflammation: Blood tests may check for inflammatory markers, or high blood levels of specific proteins. Elevated inflammatory markers could indicate an increased risk of heart problems or clue your physician in to extra stress, food sensitivities or other issues.

• Metabolic markers: You may need a lipid panel to check your cholesterol and triglyceride levels. You might also need a fasting glucose test or hemoglobin A1c test to check your blood sugar level. These tests can help determine your risk of heart disease and diabetes, respectively.

• Nutrients: Nutrients like iron, magnesium, vitamin D and vitamin B12 help your body function at its best. Blood tests can check for nutrient deficiencies, so you know whether to adjust your diet or take a supplement.

• Thyroid: Doctors routinely check your TSH and total T4 levels, which give you some information about your thyroid function. You may benefit from a more extensive thyroid panel if you’re having any symptoms of an overactive or underactive thyroid.

What not to do before a physical exam

There’s not much you need to avoid before your physical exam. But some behaviors could skew test results and give your provider an inaccurate picture of your health. To make the most out of your visit, avoid:

• Consuming alcohol

• Drinking caffeine within an hour of your visit

• Eating a high-fat meal before any blood tests

• Eating or drinking anything for eight to 12 hours, or as directed by your provider, before blood tests that require fasting

• Taking cold medicine if you’re feeling under the weather