Preventive care and annual exams
Nearly every condition we treat is cheaper, easier and less frightening when it is found early. Preventive care is the unglamorous work of finding things early.
What preventive care covers
- Annual physical examination and health risk review
- Blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar screening
- Kidney, liver and thyroid function
- Cancer screening appropriate to your age and history, with referrals arranged
- Immunisations, including flu and other adult vaccines
- Weight, nutrition and activity, discussed practically rather than as a lecture
- Tobacco, alcohol and substance use, discussed without judgement
- Depression and anxiety screening
Most preventive care costs you nothing
Under the Affordable Care Act, most insurance plans cover recommended preventive services with no copay or deductible when you see an in-network provider. Confirm with your plan and with us before your visit.
Common questions
Is my annual physical free?
Most plans cover a preventive annual visit at no cost when the provider is in network. If we also address a separate problem during that visit, that part may be billed differently. We will tell you when that is likely rather than surprising you afterwards.
How often should I have a check-up?
For most healthy adults, once a year. If you are managing a chronic condition, more often — usually every three to six months.
What screening do I actually need?
It depends on your age, sex, family history and risk factors. That is one of the things a first visit is for.
This is not for emergencies
If you are having chest pain, difficulty breathing, sudden weakness or numbness, trouble speaking, severe bleeding, or any symptom that frightens you, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. Do not use this website, and do not wait to see if it passes.