PHYSICALS

Once per year Physicals are fully covered by most insurance plans. For some this is the only time they discuss health concerns with a provider. If you are new to Kanan Medical we ask that you schedule an appointment to Establish Care and allow your medical team to learn about your health concerns, health history and determine the best course of action. Once you are an established patient your annual physicals are more routine.

Schools and most youth sports leagues require that families obtain physicals at different times of the year. At Kanan Medical we provide physicals for men, women (including women’s health) and school aged children.

Establishing Care

For new patients, this is the time to share any concerns you have, your health history and family history including but not limited to the following:

• Any current medical concerns
• Medical history of injury
• Medical history of illness
• Family history of illness
• Menstrual cycle
• Immunizations
• Medication list
• Emergency contact information

Annual Physical Exam

Prior to your appointment a member of your medical team will prepare you for your blood work and your physical exam. During the appointment, your provider will evaluate the following factors:

• Medical/Family History: In most cases this portion will have been covered at great length when you established care with your medical team here at Kanan Medical. However, in the event you are a new patient that has not established care at our office your medical team will gather as much of your medical history and current concerns and/or medications at this time.
• General Exam: A large amount of information is collected about your overall health as well as your neurological health during the exam; a provider is able to assess your physical coordination, balance, mental acuity and responses to various physical stimuli. During this exam, your provider is able to collect information about the condition of skin, hair, and nails which can reveal deficiencies and other health concerns.
• Head & Neck: Your provider is checking the quality of your teeth and gums as well as your throat and tonsils. Lymph nodes, thyroid and carotid arteries may also be examined.
• Eyes & Ears: Routine hearing and sight checks are performed. If risk indicators are found, you will be referred to a specialist for a full screening. In the case of sports physicals student athletes are not required to have perfect vision or hearing to participate in any sport, but it may be cause for concern in some instances.
• Heart & Lung: The medical team will be listening to your heart and lungs looking for any signs of heart or lung disease.
• Vital Signs: Blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, blood oxygen saturation, and temperature.
• Height & Weight: The medical team will check measurements to ensure that your weight is healthy and average for your age.
• Abdomen: An examination of the abdomen will be performed to detect liver size, check for fluid, tenderness and/or assess the risk of tearing during contact sports.
• Muscles, Joints, Flexibility & Posture: The overall body structure and capability of movement will be observed.
• Female Health: The medical team will be evaluating and discussing signs of low energy, menstrual dysfunction, and low bone density. Separate female health physicals are available for women and girls. During these appointments, the standard screenings and tests will be performed including a general exam of reproductive system, including breast exams and pap test, depending on your age.
• Male Health: Male health physicals will include a general exam of the reproductive system; including hernia, testicular, and prostate exams as well as a fecal screening as needed depending on your age.
• Immunization: Your medical team will review all prior immunization records to ensure that your child is up to date.

Blood Work at the Laboratory

You will not need to go out to a separate lab to have your blood drawn and sent to an outside lab. During your appointment, a member of your medical team will draw your blood and we will perform the tests ordered by your provider. Typically, these include a Complete Blood Count with Differential, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, a lipid panel, hemoglobin (blood sugar levels) and four thyroid tests including: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, Triiodothyronine, Thyroxine, Thyroid Peroxidase.

Your provider may determine you need further testing that may or may not be covered by your insurance provider. It is important that you are aware of your coverage. However, the Laboratory at New Smyrna Beach MD does provide self-pay lab testing at very affordable rates. If there are additional tests or panels you would like to run, we have comprehensive panels and a la carte options available to you. Visit the Laboratory to learn more about tests you can order.

Contact Kanan Medical at (407) 767-0009 if you would like to make an appointment.