Annual Physical Specialist
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PREMIER HEALTH CARE INC
Vijaya L Cherukuri, M.D.
Internal Medicine & Primary Care located in Saint Petersburg, FL
The goal of your annual physical exam is to prevent chronic health problems, and working with your physician helps you to stay healthy and active. Additionally, it’s a great time to discuss any health concerns you may have. At Premier Health Care Inc. in St. Petersburg, Florida, Vijaya Cherukuri, MD, and the team are committed to providing quality, thorough health care. To maintain your health, call the practice or use the online scheduling tool to make an appointment for an annual physical today.
Annual Physical Q & A
Why do I need an annual physical?
Your annual physical exam helps your primary care physician determine the status of your overall health. Your doctor uses these exams to:
- Check for any possible diseases for early treatment
- Identify medical issues that could become problematic in the future
- Evaluate diet and exercise routine
- Update immunizations
- Develop a relationship with each patient
To thoroughly evaluate your health in a convenient setting, Premier Health Care Inc. offers basic onsite lab testing, blood draws, and urinalysis.
How do I prepare for my annual physical?
To make the most of your time with your physician, you should prepare the pertinent information ahead of your appointment, including:
- Medications you’re taking, including vitamins and supplements, both prescribed and over-the-counter
- A list of any symptoms or pain you’re experiencing
- Names and contact information of any doctors you’ve visited recently
- Any medical procedures you’ve undergone, and those dates
- Results from recent tests relevant to your overall health
This is also the time to bring up questions or concerns.
What should I expect during my annual physical?
Upon arrival for your annual exam, you fill out a written medical history and meet with a nurse to discuss any medications, allergies, or symptoms you have. Your nurse may take your weight and vital signs and discuss your general lifestyle, including whether you exercise, drink alcohol, or smoke.
Then, your provider performs a thorough exam and may order bloodwork to evaluate your health further.
A physical exam for an adult may include:
- Women’s health evaluation (including a pelvic exam and Pap smear)
- Men’s health evaluation (including a testicular exam and screening for prostate cancer)
- Health risk assessment
- Diabetes screening
- Chronic disease screening
- Immunizations
- Medication management
- Vision and hearing screening
- Weight management
- Mental health screenings
Dr. Cherukuri determines what screenings are necessary during your annual physical based on your age and overall health.
Will I need a vaccine?
Vaccines aren’t just for infants and children. Adults need vaccines to prevent catching and spreading diseases, and some vaccines you receive as a child can lose potency over time. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends all adults receive the flu vaccine annually, especially if you’re an older adult, you have chronic health conditions, or you’re pregnant.
The Tdap vaccine is recommended for all adults who didn’t receive it as a teenager, to protect against whooping cough. It’s also a good idea to get a tetanus shot, with a booster every 10 years to maintain its effectiveness.
New vaccines are formulated over time to protect against new viruses and diseases. Recently, the COVID-19 vaccine was created to protect against that form of coronavirus. Dr. Cherukuri gives vaccines at annual exams, going by the CDC’s recommended vaccination schedule for adults.
If it’s time to schedule your annual exam or you need a vaccine, schedule your appointment with Dr. Cherukuri and the team at Premier Health Care Inc. today. You can easily book online or over the phone. The compassionate and thorough team is here to keep you feeling your best.