Annual physicals are one of the simplest and most valuable ways to stay ahead of your health. They may not feel urgent or exciting, but they create an important baseline for understanding how your body is doing over time. At Westwood DPC, annual physicals in Richmond, VA are designed to be thoughtful, personal, and useful, not rushed or impersonal. When you meet with Dr. Park, you get time to talk, ask questions, and leave with a clear wellness plan that reflects your health history and your goals.
In a busy health care system, a physical can easily become a quick checklist. At Westwood DPC, the experience is different. Dr. Park focuses on getting to know you as a person, not just a set of numbers. That continuity matters because the most effective preventive care is built over time, with a doctor who understands your patterns, concerns, and priorities.
Why annual physicals matter
Annual physicals provide a snapshot of your health and help identify changes before they become bigger concerns. Even when you feel well, a yearly visit gives you and your doctor a chance to review your blood pressure, weight, medications, lifestyle habits, family history, and any symptoms that may be easy to overlook. These visits can also help you stay current on preventive screenings, vaccines, and lab work that fit your age and risk factors.
Just as importantly, annual physicals create continuity. When your doctor sees you regularly, small changes become easier to spot. Over time, that ongoing relationship can make it easier to make informed decisions about exercise, nutrition, sleep, stress, chronic conditions, and deeper testing when needed.
What to expect during an annual physical with Dr. Park
At Westwood DPC, an annual physical is a visit built around conversation, prevention, and a plan for what comes next. Dr. Park takes the time to review your history, understand your concerns, and tailor the visit to your needs.
Review of your medical history
Your visit typically begins with a discussion of your medical history, including past illnesses, surgeries, medications, allergies, family history, and any recent symptoms. Dr. Park may ask about changes in your energy, appetite, sleep, mood, or exercise tolerance. This history guides the rest of the visit and gives context for any testing or recommendations.
Vital signs and basic measurements
Standard parts of a physical often include blood pressure, heart rate, weight, height, and body mass index when appropriate. These measurements create a baseline and can reveal trends over time. If something has changed since your last visit, Dr. Park will help interpret what that means in the context of your overall health.
A focused physical exam
The exam may include listening to your heart and lungs, checking your abdomen, evaluating reflexes and strength, and examining other areas based on your age, sex, and health history. Dr. Park adjusts it based on what is medically relevant for you, which keeps the visit efficient while still thorough.
Preventive screening review
Annual physicals are a good time to review screenings that may be appropriate for your age and risk factors. That could include blood pressure monitoring, cholesterol testing, diabetes screening, cancer screenings, and vaccinations. Dr. Park can help you understand what is due now, what can wait, and what additional testing may be useful.
Conversation about lifestyle and wellness goals
A meaningful annual physical includes a conversation about habits that influence long-term health, such as diet, physical activity, sleep, alcohol use, tobacco use, stress, and mental well-being. Dr. Park uses this time to learn what is realistic for you and to identify changes that could have a positive impact without feeling overwhelming.
Follow-up that actually matters
A physical is only helpful if it leads to action. Dr. Park does not stop at telling you your numbers. Your visit is used to build a wellness plan based on what was discussed and what was found. That might include follow-up labs, monitoring, lifestyle guidance, medication adjustments, or a plan to recheck something over time.
This continuity of care is one of the biggest differences between direct primary care and the rushed visits many people experience in larger health systems. Dr. Park understands your baseline, so she can help you make sense of changes and decide what should happen next.
How DPC makes annual physicals easier
Direct primary care makes it simpler to stay on top of annual physicals because the visit is included in your membership. You can focus on your health instead of worrying about unexpected bills for routine care, and it is easier to schedule regular check-ins with a doctor who already knows your history.
Can you get deeper testing?
Yes. Some patients benefit from additional labs or a closer look at certain risk factors based on family history, symptoms, lifestyle, or chronic conditions. Not every patient needs the same workup, so testing is recommended thoughtfully rather than automatically.
Frequently asked questions
Is an annual physical the same as a check-up?
People often use the terms interchangeably. An annual physical or check-up usually includes a review of your health history, vital signs, a physical exam, and a conversation about prevention.
Do I need a physical each year?
Many adults benefit from a yearly physical, especially when it is used to track trends and maintain continuity with a primary care doctor. Some people need more frequent visits for chronic conditions, ongoing symptoms, or medication management.
What happens if something unusual is found?
Dr. Park will explain what it means and what next steps may be appropriate. That could include follow-up testing, monitoring over time, a treatment plan, or a referral if needed.
Are annual physicals included in DPC membership?
Yes. Annual physicals are part of your Westwood DPC membership, with no surprise fees for routine visits.
Ready for care that starts with knowing you? Memberships are $105 a month for individuals. Become a patient or see everything included.