Preparing for an Annual Physical: What You Should Know

At Triad Primary Care, we want you to get the most out of your annual physical exam. Preparation helps us provide the best possible care tailored to your individual health needs. Here are some tips to help you get ready for your upcoming appointment:

Gather Your Medical Records: Bring any relevant documents, including details of recent illnesses, surgeries, hospitalizations, and a complete list of your current medications—this includes prescriptions, over-the-counter products, vitamins, and supplements.

Note Your Concerns: Write down any symptoms or changes in your health since your last visit. This helps your provider address your specific concerns and answer your questions.

Review Family History: Think about any updates to your family’s medical history, especially new diagnoses of chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or cancer. Sharing this information with your provider helps us assess your risk factors more accurately.

Follow Pre-Visit Instructions: If our team has given you specific instructions—like fasting before bloodwork—make sure to follow them carefully.

By taking these steps, you’ll help ensure your annual physical is thorough, efficient, and focused on maintaining and improving your health. We look forward to helping you achieve your wellness goals!

Whether you need to fast before your annual physical exam at Triad Primary Care depends on which tests your provider has ordered. For most patients, fasting is not required for the physical exam itself. Your appointment will typically include a review of your medical history, a physical assessment, and standard measurements like blood pressure and heart rate.

However, if your provider has ordered specific blood work—such as a fasting blood glucose test or a lipid panel (cholesterol test)—you may be asked to fast for 8 to 12 hours before your appointment. Fasting means not eating or drinking anything except water during that time. This ensures your test results are as accurate as possible and not affected by recent meals or beverages.

It’s important to follow the instructions provided by your team regarding fasting. If you’re unsure whether you need to fast or have questions about your upcoming appointment, please call our office. Our team will be happy to clarify which, if any, tests require fasting and how long you should avoid eating or drinking. If you take prescription medications, let us know so we can advise you on whether to take them as usual while fasting.

We are committed to providing you with the highest quality medical care. To help our team offer the best possible treatment and ensure your visit is as smooth as possible, we encourage you to come prepared with the following information:

Medication List: Please bring a complete list of all medications you are currently taking. This includes prescription medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Be sure to note the dosage and how often you take each one.

Medical Records: If you are new or have seen other providers recently, bring copies of relevant medical records—such as lab results, imaging, recent hospitalizations, or procedure notes. This helps us better understand your health history and coordinate your care.

Symptom Details: Be ready to discuss your symptoms in detail. Let us know when your symptoms began, how they have changed, and if anything makes them better or worse. The more information you can provide, the more effectively we can help.

Health History: A brief summary of your personal medical history and your family’s health history (especially for chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or cancer) helps us tailor your care and screen for potential risks.

Insurance and Referrals: Please bring your insurance card and any necessary referral paperwork if required by your insurer. This will ensure there are no delays in processing your visit.

By coming prepared, you help us provide you with comprehensive, personalized care. We look forward to seeing you and being your partner in health!

We want to provide you with the safest and most effective medical care. Before your physical exam, we highly recommend making a list of all your current medications. Please include any prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements you take.

Bringing an up-to-date medication list to your appointment helps your Triad Primary Care provider:

– Understand all the medications and supplements you are currently using Identify potential drug interactions
– Ensure proper management of chronic conditions
– Make informed, safe decisions about any new treatments
– Verify your dosages and note any changes since your last visit

Having this information ready can save time during your appointment, allowing us to focus on a thorough and accurate health assessment. If you’re unsure about any medication, bring the packaging or take a photo to share with us.

At Triad Primary Care, Dr. Michael Dulin believes preparation empowers patients. Bringing your vaccination record, medication details, and specific questions can make your visit more productive. By focusing on early detection and lifestyle improvement, Dr. Dulin ensures each annual physical sets the stage for continued health. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 1309 Lees Chapel Rd., Greensboro, NC 27455. We serve patients from Greensboro NC, Browns Summit NC, McLeansville NC, Oak Ridge NC, Summerfield NC, and surrounding areas.