Wellness checks and physical exams are common in health management. While there is a connection between these two, they are not the same thing. In this blog, we will explore and break down the differences between the two options, aiming to help you make a more informed decision about which one suits your needs best by the end.
What is a Wellness Check?
A wellness check or a preventive care visit is a regular medical check-up aimed to help you screen your overall health condition. The utility of early diagnosis is to avoid the development of additional pathologies or the deterioration of the existing ones, as well as healthcare promotion. These are done yearly, though the periodicity might be altered depending on age, gender and other aspects.
Components of a Wellness Check
Health History Assessment: The doctor will examine our overall health for any pre-existing ailment, drugs you are taking, and the medical history of your family. This is because they assist in identifying possible problems that may be of interest in the course of the implementation process.
Vital Signs Assessment: It involves some checks such as what is usually referred to as blood pressure, pulse or heart rate, respiration or breathing rate, and lastly body temperature. The following are some of the parameters that are used to measure the current health status.
Lifestyle and Health Habits Discussion: Your doctor will inquire about your meal habits and exercises, alcohol and tobacco consumption, and anything related to the likes of it. The goal is to assess whether there are any unhealthy habits that could be changed.
Mental Status Screening: A part of the total evaluation that looks at the mental health of a person. A doctor may start by asking about your worry level, changes in your mood, and general health.
Screenings and Tests: These are tests and screening that might be advisable given a person’s age and health condition; it could be blood test, cholesterol test or cancer test among others.
What is a Physical Exam?
A physical exam, however, is a more extensive check-up on the shape and fitness of your body. It is often done during a wellness check however may be done when there is an issue that requires the health care provider to examine the patient or as a check when the patient accesses the clinic or hospital.
Components of a Physical Exam
Physical Examination: This covers a form of assessment that entails observation of the general condition, checking the heart and lungs, feeling the reflex area, mouth and throat and eyes, and ears examination.
Height and Weight: Weight is recorded and the patient’s height is taken to compute the Body Mass Index (BMI) to evaluate the risk of obesity related diseases.
Body Systems Evaluation: Each of the body systems is assessed to check their performance. These include cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal systems.
Neurological Examination: It entails assessment of some basic tests on your neurological health including reflexes, muscle strength, and sensations.
Further Investigations: In case the physician suspects something, he may conduct further tests including X-rays, ECGs or ultrasounds.
Key Differences Between Wellness Checks and Physical Exams
Purpose
Wellness Check: Focuses on prevention, health promotion, and early detection of potential health issues.
Physical Exam: It assesses the body health at present in the diagnosis or management of certain diseases or illnesses.
Frequency
Wellness Check: Each patient gets at least one wellness check per year but more frequent ones may be needed if he or she is diagnosed with certain conditions.
Physical Check-Up: May be more often, depending on the client’s condition or if they have an ongoing illness.
Scope
Wellness Check: This is a general health diagnosis with specific tests depending on the client’s needs.
Physical Exam: More detailed and specific, focusing on the physical state of your body and any immediate health concerns.
When to Schedule Each
Wellness Check
Annual Routine: Consider scheduling a wellness check once a year as part of your regular health maintenance.
Lifestyle Modifications: In the event that you are changing your lifestyle, for instance, exercising or modifying the kind of meals you take, the wellness check is convenient in following your advancement.
Screening Tests: If there are any routine tests required at such an age, like a mammogram or a colonoscopy, then a wellness check is a convenient time to schedule them.
Physical Exam
New Symptoms: In the case of the development of new symptoms or changes in existing ones, physical examination is very useful.
Baseline Assessment: A physical check up may be needed the first time that a patient meets a doctor for her or his services.
Chronic Diseases: The assessment can help monitor the development of these conditions and, if necessary, adjust the way chronic diseases are managed.
