Information about annual physical exams

What is an annual physical exam?

An annual physical exam is a way to ensure your health and safety through a routine check-up. You can count on your Germantown, MD primary care clinic to deliver superior care for your annual physical exam.

Your medical history

The first part of the annual exam is usually a discussion or questionnaire about your health and medical history. This includes lifestyle and behaviors like smoking and tobacco use, alcohol, sexual activity, diet, and exercise. Your doctor will also ask about your family’s medical history, since some diseases and conditions are genetic, and will review your past vaccinations.

Vital signs

The next part of the exam is to check your vital signs. Your blood pressure should be less than 120 over 80. Your heart rate should generally be 60 to 100, though many healthy people actually have a rate below 60. Your respiration should be 12 to 16 breaths per minute. Your temperature should be approximately 98.6 degrees.  Your doctor will listen to your heart and lungs with a stethoscope for an irregular heartbeat or murmur, or any wheezing in your breathing. They will also examine your tonsils, throat, teeth, and gums, as well as thyroid, lymph nose, ears, and eyes. Finally, they will test your reflexes, balance, and muscle strength for any neurological issues, and skin for any dermatological issues.

Germantown Primary Care

Germantown Primary Care has been seeing patients in Germantown, Gaithersburg, Hyattstown, and Montgomery County for almost two decades. Germantown Primary Care’s Chief Medical Officer is Dr. Manbir Takhar. She has served in that position since 2012, and is dedicated to providing top-notch, individualized patient care.

Annual physical exams in Germantown, MD and Montgomery County

Overview

Annual physical exams are a vital component of healthy living, especially as you age, which is when health issues or concerns with your body’s primary functions are more likely to occur. Patients in Germantown, MD and Montgomery County, as well as the surrounding area can go to their local primary care clinic for this important exam, as well as many other medical services.

Exam

The annual physical entails an exam and vaccinations. During the exam, your doctor will check your vital signs and organs, as well as your joints and glands. Your doctor may also ask you about your lifestyle and medical history, or have you complete a questionnaire. Lab tests may be required depending on the results of your physical exam, or answers, which could include testing for: anemia, cholesterol, STDs, tuberculosis, and thyroid problems.

Vaccinations

The other portion of the annual physical exam is vaccinations. If you can, it is best practice to bring documentation of your prior immunizations when visiting a clinic for the first time, so that staff has an idea of which shots you may be missing. In addition to the standard vaccinations, shots for yellow fever and other travel-related viruses are offered, as well as TB testing, flu vaccinations, and allergy shots.

Your Clinic

Germantown Primary Care has seen thousands of patients over the past two decades throughout Germantown, Hyattstown, Gaithersburg, and Montgomery County. The Chief Medical Officer of Germantown Primary Care Associates has been Dr. Manbir Takhar since 2012. She has a passion for using her expertise to better the lives of her patients. 

Annual physical exams in Germantown, MD and Montgomery County

Annual Physical Exam Overview

Annual physicals are vital at every age, especially as you become older, as health concerns begin, and the body’s functions weaken. Depending on your insurance coverage, a comprehensive physical can be done either yearly or biennially. Residents in the Germantown, MD and Montgomery County areas can visit their local quality clinic to perform this exam.

Immunizations

Bring a copy of your past immunizations to the clinic, if it is your first time visiting, so that staff know which shots you need. Typically, vaccinations include: yellow fever, varicella, typhoid, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, meningitis, hepatitis A and B, HPV, diphtheria, and pertussis. TB testing, flu and travel vaccinations, and allergy shots are also available.

The Exam Itself

During the comprehensive annual physical exam, a staff member will check your: joints, muscles, lungs, heart, abdomen, neck and thyroid glands, nose, eyes, ears, skin, throat, breasts, and, for women, also the pelvis. Lab tests may be required, which could include tests for: STDs, tuberculosis, thyroid problems, anemia, and cholesterol. Your blood pressure, weight, and height will also be measured, and you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire.

Your Clinic

Serving patients in Montgomery County, Germantown, Gaithersburg, and Hyattstown, Germantown Primary Care offers a wide range of services and facilities to meet patients’ various needs. The medical team, which includes Dr. Manbir Takhar, offers both progressive medical treatments and all-inclusive, quality care. Germantown Primary Care has over 20 years of experience serving thousands of patients in the greater Washington area.