Annual Checkups & Physical Exams

Annual health checkups and physical exams are some of the most important steps you can take to protect your long-term health. These routine visits allow your doctor to assess vital signs, review your medical history, identify risk factors, and catch potential health concerns early.

Unlike appointments that focus on specific conditions and symptoms, a yearly physical exam offers a full picture of your health. It offers an opportunity to update vaccinations, review medications, discuss lifestyle changes, and plan ahead with preventative screenings based on your age and risk profile.

At Internal Medicine & Primary Care of Sebastian (IMPCS), we offer thorough, personalized physical exams to assess your physical and mental health. We have a strong focus on prevention, and work closely with you to develop a care plan that fits your health needs and goals.

Why are annual full-body check-ups important?

Your health can change gradually over time, often without noticeable symptoms. That is why annual full-body check-ups are an important part of preventive care.

These routine evaluations give your provider the opportunity to review your overall health. Here is how an annual physical exam can help:

Detect health issues early
Manage chronic conditions
Stay up to date on screenings & vaccines
Address mental health & emotional well-being
Encourage healthy habits

What is included in a physical exam?

During an annual physical exam at Internal Medicine & Primary Care of Sebastian, our provider takes a detailed look at your health to ensure everything is on track.

The exam includes a combination of medical history review, physical assessment, and diagnostic testing to detect early signs of health concerns.

Medical History Review

We begin by taking a detailed medical history to understand your personal and family health background. This includes any chronic conditions, prior surgeries, allergies, and current medications.

In addition, we will talk with you about lifestyle factors that can affect your health, such as:

Diet and nutrition habits
Exercise and physical activity levels
Tobacco, alcohol, or substance use
Sleep quality and patterns
Overall mood, stress levels, and emotional well-being

Physical Examination

Once your medical history has been reviewed, we will conduct a thorough physical examination to assess all major systems of your body. This hands-on examination includes:

Recording height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) to evaluate your body composition and potential weight-related health risks
Examining your ears, nose, throat, and mouth to look for signs of infection or structural abnormalities
Checking circulation by feeling pulses in your neck, arms, and legs
Assessing lymph nodes in key regions (neck, underarms, groin) for swelling that may point to infection
Performing basic neurological assessments, including reflex testing, to evaluate nerve function and coordination
Checking your abdomen to look for signs of tenderness or digestive irregularities

This methodical examination is done using various clinical techniques, including:

Auscultation: Listening to your heart, lungs, and digestive system with a stethoscope to detect breathing issues and abnormalities like congestion.
Inspection: Observing your skin, posture, and visible features to check for signs like rashes, discoloration, or other abnormalities.
Palpation: Applying gentle pressure with the fingers to assess internal structures beneath the skin, such as the abdomen, lymph nodes, or joints for swelling, tenderness, or organ enlargement.
Percussion: Tapping your chest and abdomen to evaluate internal organs and detect issues like fluid buildup or bloating.

Vital Signs & Key Health Checks

After the physical examination, we record a range of body vital signs that serve as important indicators of your overall health status.

We check your blood pressure to identify the risk for hypertension, a common but often silent condition that can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
We measure your heart rate to evaluate heart rhythm and how effectively it is circulating blood throughout your body
We take your body temperature to identify signs of potential infections or underlying inflammation in the body

These measurements help detect early warning signs of illness even when you are not experiencing any symptoms.

Preventive Screenings & Tests

The routine exams can also include the following lab tests to get a deeper understanding of your internal health.

Blood tests: These help check key health markers, such as cholesterol levels, blood glucose (to screen for diabetes), complete blood count (CBC), and kidney and liver function.
Urinalysis: This helps evaluate kidney health, detect urinary tract infections, and identify signs of metabolic issues, such as glucose or protein in the urine.

Depending on your age, personal risk factors, and family medical history, we may also recommend additional preventive screening tests to evaluate your risk for chronic conditions like high cholesterol, diabetes, and thyroid dysfunction.

Personalized Preventive Care Plans

Your physical check-up will serve as the foundation for a personalized plan to support your long-term health. Based on your exam findings and test results, we will create a custom preventive care plan tailored to your current health status and future goals.

This plan is created with a proactive focus to help you stay ahead of potential health risks and make informed decisions about your health.

Your personalized plan may include:

Health risk assessment: Based on your age, lifestyle, and family history, we will evaluate your risk for chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, or cancer, and outline appropriate screening intervals.
Lifestyle & wellness guidance: If you are looking to improve your diet, reduce stress, or increase physical activity, your plan will include specific recommendations and achievable goals. We consider your lifestyle and provide practical, realistic strategies that support lasting change.
Chronic disease management: If you are living with conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or thyroid disorders, we may adjust your current treatment plan and monitor your progress over time through scheduled labs and follow-up visits.
Vaccination review: Your immunization record will be reviewed to ensure you are up to date with age-appropriate vaccines, such as flu, shingles, pneumonia, tetanus, or COVID-19 boosters.
Mental and emotional health support: Annual checkups also serve as an opportunity to address your mental and emotional well-being. If you're experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, or other concerns, we provide a supportive space to talk openly. When appropriate, we may recommend lifestyle adjustments, initiate treatment, or refer you to a trusted mental health professional for additional care.
Follow-up testing and referrals: If any abnormalities or concerns are identified during your exam, we will clearly outline the next steps, whether that involves further diagnostic testing, imaging studies, or timely referrals to trusted specialists.

Schedule Your Annual Checkup in Sebastian, FL

Staying proactive about your health starts with one simple step—scheduling your annual physical exam. At IMPCS, we are committed to providing attentive, personalized care to help you stay well and catch potential health issues early.

To schedule a consultation, please call (772) 783-2436 or book an appointment online today.

If you experience symptoms requiring immediate attention, we also provide acute care appointments within 48 hours to ensure you receive prompt evaluation and treatment.