When patients come in to get their yearly well-exam, our job is to make sure that everything is developing normally and is health. We do a variety of checks to make sure your systems are functioning up-to-speed. For example, we will check your balance, respiratory, circulatory, and musculoskeletal systems are working in sync with each other. A good majority of our check-ups are asking you questions about your daily activities, diet, and if you have noticed any abnormalities with your own body.
As you get older, some other parts of your body are starting to develop. It is important for us to do a quick exam on these more private areas to make sure that everything is okay. The provider does look at your whole body, but only with your permission! You can say no to any part of the exam if you're not comfortable, but please remember that we are all a little uncomfortable when we go for our annual inspection. Mostly it's more looking than touching, but as you get older, your doctor, PA, or NP will ask your permission to touch and check your breasts, if you are a girl, or your testicles if you are a boy, to examine them for any possible lumps, just as we check your neck and your stomach for any abnormalities. That's our job!
Finally, come prepared with questions! These exams are a great way for you to become more active in your own health. As a teen, your parents may be asked to leave the room so you can have an independent conversation with your provider about your body or any health concerns. These exams typically do not take long, but if you are apprehensive just ask your provider to slow down and explain what each part of the exam is for.
As you get older, some other parts of your body are starting to develop. It is important for us to do a quick exam on these more private areas to make sure that everything is okay. The provider does look at your whole body, but only with your permission! You can say no to any part of the exam if you're not comfortable, but please remember that we are all a little uncomfortable when we go for our annual inspection. Mostly it's more looking than touching, but as you get older, your doctor, PA, or NP will ask your permission to touch and check your breasts, if you are a girl, or your testicles if you are a boy, to examine them for any possible lumps, just as we check your neck and your stomach for any abnormalities. That's our job!
Finally, come prepared with questions! These exams are a great way for you to become more active in your own health. As a teen, your parents may be asked to leave the room so you can have an independent conversation with your provider about your body or any health concerns. These exams typically do not take long, but if you are apprehensive just ask your provider to slow down and explain what each part of the exam is for.