FAQS:
General Physical/Annual Exam
What should I expect during a General Physical/Annual Exam?
The general physical is a once-a-year visit to your physician for a general health check. It is often called a "preventive visit" since its purpose is not to treat illnesses, but rather to identify your risks of illness and to advise you on measures to take to prevent illnesses. Only the simplest of issues are actually addressed during one of these exams (e.g., a referral to a dermatologist or a prescription renewal). Some insurance plans require patients to pay second co-pay when the doctor addresses an issue during the preventive visit, even for the simplest of issues. Dr. Anukwuem will address specific health problems during your follow-up visit which should be scheduled for two (2) weeks after your physical.
The Annual Exam typically includes the following:
General physical exam.
EKG
Review of your family health history.
Review of your personal health history.
Review of your need for health screening tests (e.g., mammogram, colonoscopy).
Blood and urine tests for general health.
If you are scheduling a general physical and have some other problems that you want to discuss (e.g., a persistant cough, cold symptoms, frequent headaches) you should schedule a separate appointment for the other specific problem.
A couple of insurance companies (i.e., Oxford, United HealthCare) have begun to refuse coverage of viral hepatitis screening. Be sure to remind us if your insurance carrier is Oxford or United HealthCare so that we will not request this blood test. To learn more about viral hepatitis, click here.
What blood and urine tests are given during the General Physical?
The full list is too long and complicated to explain. Generally speaking, the tests are:
General tests of liver and kidney function.
Check for anemia.
Test of thyroid function.
Screening for symptoms of diabetes.
Check of cholesterol levels.
Screening for sexually transmitted diseases.
Screening for sexually transmitted diseases including chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, HIV, syphilis, and viral hepatitis.
Again, this is an abbreviated and simplified list. Additional tests may be added based on your medical history.
Will my insurance cover my General Physical?
While most insurance plans do cover the Preventive Exam, some do not. It is important that you verify your insurance coverage prior to your visit. Medicare does not cover general physicals. Many GHI plans do not cover preventive exams for adults beween the ages of 18 and under 45 and do not cover adult immunizations.
Travel Vaccinations
What vaccinations are needed to travel overseas?
This depends on where you are going. You should schedule a Pre-Travel Health Consultation. During this visit, Dr. Anukwem will review your vaccination status (i.e., what vaccines you have had) and recommend vaccinations that you should have for your trip. She will also review general health precautions specific to the country you are visiting. To learn more about our Pre-Travel Health Consultations and travel vaccinations.
Insurance Coverage Questions
It is your responsibility to understand your insurance plan's policies concerning referrals and covered benefits. If you receive services that are not covered, you assume financial responsibility for the service. Similarly, if you see a specialist without a referral, you assume responsibility for that service.
Will my insurance cover my travel visit and vaccinations?
Health insurance does not your Pre-Travel Health Consultation and will not cover yellow fever or typhoid vaccines since you generally cannot get these illnesses in the United States. This is considered part of you "vacation expense" or that "your employer should pay for it" if you are traveling for work.
How do I get a referral?
To obtain a referral you must initially see Dr. Anukwem for the condition. If she has not seen you for the condition, we cannot give you a referral, even if you have a "PPO" plan.
If you wish to be referred to a specialist of your own choosing, you must make that clear during your visit and you must provide us with the following information about the doctor:
First the last name.
Insurance ID number and NPI number.
Telephone and Fax number.
Medical specialty (e.g., gastroenterology, dermatology).
You should wait in the office for the referral to be processed and given to you.
If you need an update to a previous referral, you should contact us at least 2 business days before your appointment with the specialist. Simply use the Online Office and send a "Request for Referral" message and include the name of the doctor in the message. The processed referral will be sent to you.
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