Annual Physicals

Annual physicals present an opportunity to assess your health, reducing the risk of potentially serious medical conditions like heart disease and diabetes. At FirstPointMD in the Maspeth neighborhood of Queens in New York City, experienced primary care physician Ravin Patel, MD, provides annual physicals to people of all ages. Whether you need a physical to start a new job or simply want to stay on top of your health, Dr. Patel can help. Call FirstPointMD today to schedule an annual physical, or book your appointment online.

Is an annual physical necessary if I’m healthy?

It’s important to schedule a physical exam at least once a year, even if you feel healthy. Many serious issues, like high blood pressure and diabetes, develop slowly and present few obvious symptoms. Regular checkups with Dr. Patel can alert you to these and other ailments before they worsen and affect your quality of life. 

What happens during an annual physical?

At FirstPointMD, an annual physical includes:

• A head-to-toe exam
• An assessment of your general health
• Preventive screenings, like Pap tests and prostate exams
• Lab tests, including blood work and urinalysis
• Personalized recommendations to improve or maintain your health
• Administering immunizations and booster shots
• Prescription refills or recommendations (if needed)

Dr. Patel asks about your lifestyle, including your diet and exercise habits. He also answers any questions and asks you about any medical concerns. 

What type of results can I expect after a physical exam?

A physical exam provides a summary of your general health. After the exam, Dr. Patel lets you know about any potential concerns he’s identified and recommends steps to improve your health.

If lab tests confirm you have a chronic condition, like high blood pressure or diabetes, Dr. Patel develops a treatment plan to prevent the issue from worsening. That often includes prescription medication, healthy lifestyle changes, and routine checkups to monitor your health and progress. 

Can physical exams be conducted through telemedicine?

Yes. At FirstPointMD, Dr. Patel regularly conducts physical exams with telemedicine. A telemedicine physical isn’t as comprehensive as an in-office one. Still, it can help you stay on top of your health if you’re traveling or too busy to visit FirstPointMD in person.

Specific tests, like blood work, can only be done in person. The same goes for administering vaccines and undergoing sex-specific screenings.

What should I bring to a physical exam?

Bring the following items to your physical exam at FirstPointMD:

• Health insurance information
• List of the medications, vitamins, and nutritional supplements you regularly take
• Results from any recent tests or lab work
• Questions you’d like Dr. Patel to answer
• Contact information of your most recent doctor (if you’re a new patient)

Arrive at your appointment 10-15 minutes early so you have plenty of time to complete the paperwork.

Call FirstPointMD today to schedule an annual physical or book your appointment online.