Best Metroplus Annual Physical Exam in Brooklyn, NY

When you’re living a busy life in Brooklyn and you’re almost always in good health, it may feel like a nuisance to book an appointment for an annual physical exam by a doctor in Brooklyn who takes MetroPlus. But having an annual physical is more important than you think since many health conditions don’t exhibit symptoms until they’re far advanced and much more difficult to treat.

At your annual checkup, your primary care physician also lets you know about any screenings or vaccinations you need. Yearly blood tests may reveal problems with the functioning of your organs that may not have caused symptoms yet. When you book an appointment for an annual physical exam by a MetroPlus doctor in Brooklyn, you’re giving yourself an opportunity to discuss any of your health concerns with a trusted medical professional who knows you and your history.

Almost all health insurance plans including MetroPlus cover the cost of a yearly physical. MetroPlus has been providing healthcare coverage for New York residents for over 35 years.

Their focus is on primary and preventive care, and they have dozens of plans to choose from including:

• Gold Plan, which covers employees of the city of New York along with their spouse and children
• Essential Plan for qualified New Yorkers
• Marketplace plans, which cover all New Yorkers
• Medicaid Managed Plan for families who qualify

Many of these plans have no deductible and no monthly premium. Some plans have a small co-pay for visits to doctors and specialists as well as emergency room visits. When you book an appointment for an annual physical exam by a Brooklyn doctor who takes MetroPlus, check with your insurance company to find out if you have any out-of-pocket costs.

After you book an appointment for an annual physical by a MetroPlus doctor in Brooklyn, there are a few things to do ahead of time to be sure you get the most out of your checkup, including:

• Writing down any health-related questions you have such as about unusual symptoms or feelings of depression
• Having your medical records transferred to the doctor’s office if you’re seeing a new doctor
• Finding out if you should have any lab work done before your appointment
• Bringing a list of medications you’re taking including any over-the-counter medications, vitamins or supplements

Let your primary care doctor know about any recent changes to your health. If you keep any kind of logs to track health data such as a food tracker, blood pressure or blood sugar tracker, bring them with you to your appointment.

An annual physical exam by a doctor in Brooklyn who takes MetroPlus may be slightly different from one person to another and from one year to another. Your needs change based on your age, gender and health conditions you may have developed, or you may be at a high risk of developing.

Some things that are usually included in the best annual physical exams in Brooklyn include:

• Discussion with your doctor. Your doctor reviews your medical history, your family medical history and any health changes that you’ve experienced since your last physical exam.
• Weight and height. Your height and weight are measured and compared to previous readings to spot trends.
• Vital signs. Your temperature, pulse, oxygen level and blood pressure are all checked to see if any of them are out of normal range.
• Head and throat exam. Your doctor may shine a light in your eyes, look in your ears and peer down your throat.
• Abdomen. Your Brooklyn primary care doctor may push or tap on your abdomen and listen to your abdomen with a stethoscope. This gives him information about the size and placement of your organs, whether you’re retaining fluid or whether you have any tenderness or discomfort.
• Heart and lungs. A stethoscope is used to listen to your heart and lungs for any abnormalities such as arrhythmias, leaky valves, wheezing or chest congestion.
• Extremities. Your doctor looks for any abnormalities with your arms, legs, hands or feet such as swelling or discoloration.
• Skin. Your doctor may examine your skin to check for rashes, growths or moles that seem abnormal. If any suspicious growths are detected, your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist.
• Lab work. Most yearly exams include routine blood work and urine tests to check for signs of potential problems. Routine labs usually include a complete blood count and may include tests for glucose, cholesterol, liver function and whatever other screening your doctor recommends.

Some women may have a breast exam, pelvic exam and a Pap smear as part of a yearly checkup, while others prefer to have this done by a gynecologist, who’s a specialist in women’s reproductive health. Men may have a prostate exam to screen for prostate cancer and other prostate problems.

If your doctor finds any abnormalities, he may refer you to a specialist or he may order additional tests. If all is well, book an appointment for an annual physical the following year. Taking the time for a yearly checkup gives you the best possible chance of remaining in good health.