29, Jun 2023
Overview:
An internal medicine checkup includes assessment of physical, mental, and emotional health, general lifestyle habits, and potential risk factors for illness and disease. Specific tests and screenings that may be included in a checkup depend on a person's age, health history, family history, and lifestyle. Generally, a checkup may include a physical exam, urine and blood tests, vision and hearing assessments, and vaccines. The healthcare professional may also ask questions about mental health and sexual health, diet, and lifestyle choices, including smoking and drinking habits.
Things to Expect During an Internal Medicine Checkup:
1. Questions about physical and mental health:
The doctor will ask questions about any current health issues, as well as any chronic conditions you may have.
2. Discussion of lifestyle:
The doctor will ask questions about your diet, exercise routine, smoking habits, and alcohol consumption.
3. Vital sign measurements:
Your blood pressure, pulse, and oxygen saturation will be measured.
4. Tests of hearing and vision:
The doctor may ask you to perform a few simple tests to check your sense of hearing and sight.
5. Blood tests:
Tests may be taken to confirm blood type, check hemoglobin levels, measure cholesterol, check for anemia, or look for certain infections.
6. Urine test:
Sample urine will be taken to look for signs of infection or kidney function.
7. Cardiac tests:
An electrocardiogram (ECG) may be used to check for any signs of heart disease or abnormalities.
8. Lung function tests:
The doctor may use a peak flow meter or spirometer to measure how air flows through your lungs.
9. Abdominal examination:
The doctor will use their hands to check your abdomen for any lumps, swelling, tenderness, or pain.
10. Neurological tests:
A few simple tests may be done to check reflexes and sensation. The doctor may also conduct additional tests, such as a mini mental state examination, to assess cognitive functioning.
11. Skin exams:
The doctor may look over your skin for any signs of skin cancer or other issues.
12. Discuss any vaccinations needed:
Depending on your age and lifestyle, the doctor may discuss any recommended vaccines.
13. Follow-up recommendations:
If any issues are found during the examination, the doctor may recommend additional tests or treatments.
14. Advise lifestyle modifications:
The doctor may give you advice on how to improve your diet, exercise routine, or other lifestyle factors that can affect your health.
15. Provide a summary:
At the end of the appointment, the doctor will provide an overview of the checkup and any findings.
Conclusion:
An internal medicine checkup can provide valuable insight into your overall health. During the checkup, your doctor may order tests, check your medical history, give nutritional advice, recommend an exercise program, assess your mental health, discuss your substance use, provide tobacco cessation counseling, and check your blood pressure. These checkups are important for keeping yourself healthy, so you should make sure to prioritize scheduling and attending them.
Dr. Sue Mitra and her staff strive to offer their patients the best care, advice and services available in the medical field with the goal to keep patient healthy & happy.
Dr. Sue Mitra is board certified in international medicine. She is seen here with a Cologuard, which is a noninvasive colon cancer screening test. (Photo by: Tim Shortt/Florida Today)