What Happens During a Yearly Wellness Visit?

When life gets busy, it’s easy to overlook preventive care, but your yearly wellness visit is one appointment worth keeping. Even if you feel healthy, this annual check-in gives your provider a chance to detect early signs of illness, review your overall well-being, and help you stay on track with your health goals. At Lane Regional Medical Center, we’re here to make these visits simple, supportive, and focused on what matters most: your long-term health.

What to Expect in an Annual Wellness Check

Every wellness visit is a little different depending on your age, medical history, and current needs, but there are a few things you can typically expect:

• Medical and family history review: Your provider will ask about past diagnoses, recent symptoms, and any updates to your family’s health background.
• Physical exam and vital signs: They’ll check your blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, weight, and other fundamental indicators. They may also examine any wounds that aren’t healing properly and coordinate follow-up care through Lane Wound Care when needed.
• Medication discussion: You’ll go over any prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, or supplements to ensure they’re still effective and appropriate.
• Preventive screenings and vaccinations: Depending on your age and risk factors, you may receive screenings for conditions such as high cholesterol or diabetes, and stay up to date on routine vaccines, including flu and tetanus shots.
• Lifestyle and health goals: Your provider may ask about your daily habits, including diet, activity level, sleep, stress, and mental health, and help you set personal health goals or refer you to a specialist if needed.

Why Wellness Visits Matter

One of the most significant benefits of yearly checkups is the early detection of potential health issues. Many serious health conditions, such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes, develop gradually and often without symptoms. A wellness visit helps catch these issues early, when they’re easier to manage or even reverse.

These visits also build an ongoing relationship with your provider. Over time, this connection enables your care team to better understand your health patterns, preferences, and needs, resulting in more personalized care and improved outcomes.

How to Prepare for Your Yearly Wellness Visit

A little preparation goes a long way in making your wellness visit as helpful as possible. Bring a list of your current medications and any questions you’ve had since your last visit. If there have been any changes in your family medical history, be sure to mention those. Most importantly, be open and honest with your provider. They’re here to support your health, not judge your choices.

If lab work is expected, ask ahead about any fasting or special instructions. Showing up prepared helps make the most of your time and ensures your care is as accurate and efficient as possible.

Preventive Care Services in Zachary

Regular preventive care is crucial for maintaining your health throughout the year. Scheduling your annual wellness visit is a proactive step toward keeping your well-being and catching potential health issues early. If you live in Zachary or the surrounding areas, trust Lane Regional Medical Center to be your partner in health and support you every step of the way.