Many people think they only need to go to the doctor when they get sick. However, most physicians also want to see you when you feel good as well. They often encourage you to have an annual physical exam.

You shouldn’t forego this exam, even if you believe you’re very healthy. When you decide to go to the doctor, your health insurance might provide a valuable benefit.

The Importance of Checkups

If you can see the doctor for a regular checkup, this helps the doctor establish a baseline understanding of your health. Should problems develop later on, the doctor can often refer to your medical history for clues about the diagnosis. Indeed, your physical may even help the doctor catch small, developing problems. This might save you a lot of trouble down the road.

Health Insurance for Physicals

During your checkup, your doctor will likely perform several different examinations to examine your health. These tests are often expensive, and paying out-of-pocket might put a dent in your wallet. Fortunately, your health insurance can help you afford the annual physical.

Under health insurance law, most health insurance plans must cover physician services. Therefore, physical exams are likely covered under your policy. This means you can often have vaccines, diabetes screening and other tests covered as preventive services for free. However, you still must often pay some residual costs.

Remember, your insurance plan is unique. Therefore, check with your insurer to determine what costs of a physical it will cover.

Preparing for Your Visit

You shouldn’t underestimate the importance of your annual checkup. With the right preparation, you can make the most out of your visit.

• Bring your insurance card to the appointment along with your copayment. Make sure your physician still accepts your policy. If they do not, your insurer may not provide coverage.
• If you see any other doctors, or take any medication, bring this information to your physical. Your doctor will need it to help coordinate your care.
• Follow any steps your doctor requires in advance of your physical. For example, you might have to collect a urine count or eat a certain diet for a few days before the exam. This will help the doctor better control baseline results of your tests.

It is also a good idea to take notes and talk in-depth with your physician about any concerns you have. If the doctor knows about your concerns, they can better evaluate your health.

With the proper health insurance, you can often obtain a physical and many other forms of health care when you need it. So, make sure you have coverage. Contact Stalwart Insurance today for more information.