Getting routine checkups from a primary care physician is essential to maintaining good health.
A routine checkup typically involves your doctor taking vital signs, such as your blood pressure and temperature, reviewing your medical history, medications, and lifestyle, and performing a physical exam.
During a physical examination, your doctor may:
- Look into your ears: An otoscope is the instrument used to look into your ear canal. Your doctor uses this tool to check for signs of inflammation, infection, or other health problems.
- Listen to your heart and lungs: Your doctor will use a stethoscope to listen to your heart and lungs. By listening to abnormalities such as wheezing, heart murmurs, gurgling, or crackling, your provider can identify potential health problems.
- Look into your mouth: A tongue depressor is the tool doctors use to hold the tongue down, allowing a clear view of the mouth and throat. Your doctor will look for signs of infection or certain medical conditions.
- Tap or feel the abdomen: Your doctor may tap or feel your abdomen to listen to specific sounds or check for masses, tenderness, or fluid.
- Feel the lymph nodes: Swollen lymph nodes in the neck may indicate infection or inflammation elsewhere in the body. Therefore, your doctor will feel your neck lymph nodes for swelling.
Performing a thorough physical examination during your routine checkup can help doctors detect certain conditions early or investigate potential health problems. Routine checkups are also important because they provide an opportunity to discuss any health concerns you may have and build a relationship with your doctor.
To schedule a routine checkup with a primary care provider at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.