You know you need to seek medical care when you are very ill or seriously injured, but you also need to periodically see your health care professional when you are healthy. But when and for what? Robert Wiprud, M.D., associate professor of family and community medicine at the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, answers those questions and more.
Prevention is the primary reason you should see your doctor. You may be overdue for immunizations that could protect you from preventable diseases. You may have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or borderline blood glucose levels and not even know it. These risk factors can increase your chances for heart disease, stroke, diabetes and/or cancer. With proper medical care and lifestyle adjustment, you and your doctor can reduce your risk for these diseases.
Your age, gender, family history and ethnicity may also be risk factors. While these risk factors cannot be changed, having this information will help your doctor know what to be especially alert for in the future.
When you should have a complete physical exam depends on your age and whether you have chronic medical conditions. If you have chronic conditions, you need to see your doctor as often as he or she recommends. If you are otherwise healthy, general guidelines are:
You will be asked to complete a questionnaire regarding your general health, medical history and family history. You will also be asked to make a list of all prescription and over-the-counter medications and herbal and non-herbal supplements that you are taking and at what doses. If possible, bring all your medications and supplements with you to your appointment.
In addition to a complete physical exam, your doctor will review your immunization history and determine if you are due for a booster or need an additional vaccine.
Your doctor also will order tests to further determine your health status and any additional risk factors that you may have developed:
Ask your doctor when and how you can expect to learn of your test results. Doctors generally call patients if test results are abnormal and mail notification if results are normal.
If you have chronic medical problems or are at high risk for developing problems, you should see your doctor as often as he or she recommends. You may need to have complete physical exams beginning at a younger age and more frequently than an otherwise healthy individual. You may also need additional tests and/or the above tests beginning at a younger age and more frequently. Follow your doctor’s recommendations.
The information in this article is provided as a service by the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine. If you have any questions, check with your doctor or other medical provider. 
H.E.A.D.s Up is a monthly column that features articles on a wide array of Health, Exercise And Diet issues. Information for these articles is provided by health and wellness professionals from throughout the A&M System. If you have questions or story ideas for this column, email Ruth McMullan.