Your annual physical exam at PromiseCare Medical Group is your opportunity to take charge of your health. But many patients leave their appointments wishing they had asked more questions. Dr. Michael Curley, M.D., a board-certified Family Medicine physician with over 37 years of experience at PromiseCare Medical Group, emphasizes that “prepared patients who come with specific questions get the most value from their annual physical exams.”
To help you maximize your next wellness visit, we’ve compiled the 10 most important questions to ask your primary care physician during your annual physical. These questions, recommended by PromiseCare Medical Group’s network of over 60 primary care doctors serving the Inland Empire, will help ensure you leave your appointment with the information you need to maintain optimal health.
1. “What preventive screenings do I need this year, and when should I schedule them?”
This question is crucial because preventive screenings catch diseases early when they’re most treatable. Your doctor’s answer will depend on your age, gender, family health history, and risk factors.
Dr. Edivina Gonzales, M.D., an Internal Medicine specialist at PromiseCare Medical Group, explains, “Many patients don’t realize that screening guidelines change as they age. What was appropriate at 40 may not be sufficient at 50.”
Your doctor should discuss:
- Whether you need a colonoscopy (starting at age 45 for average-risk individuals)
- Mammogram scheduling (annual or biennial, depending on your risk profile)
- Bone density testing timeline (especially for postmenopausal women)
- Skin cancer screening frequency
- Any specialized screenings based on your family history
Write down the specific dates and preparation instructions for each screening. Ask if PromiseCare Medical Group can schedule these appointments before you leave the office.
2. “Based on my family history, what health conditions should I be most concerned about?”
Your family health history is like a roadmap of potential health risks. Dr. Ratan Tiwari, M.D., a Cardiology specialist at PromiseCare Medical Group, notes, “If heart disease runs in your family, we may need to start cholesterol screening and blood pressure monitoring earlier than standard guidelines suggest.”
Be prepared to share information about:
- Parents’ and siblings’ major health conditions
- Age of diagnosis for family members with chronic diseases
- Any family members who died young and the causes
- Patterns of cancer, diabetes, or heart disease in your family
Your doctor will explain which conditions you’re at higher risk for and what preventive measures you can take now. This might include lifestyle modifications, earlier screening, or more frequent monitoring of specific health markers.
3. “Are there any medications I’m taking that I might not need anymore, or that could interact with my supplements?”
Medication review is essential but often overlooked. Dr. William H. Cherry, M.D., a Family Practice physician at PromiseCare Medical Group, emphasizes, “Many patients continue taking medications they no longer need, or combine supplements that can interfere with their prescriptions.”
Bring a complete list of everything you take, including:
- All prescription medications with dosages
- Over-the-counter medications you use regularly
- Vitamins and supplements
- Herbal remedies
Ask specifically about:
- Whether each medication is still necessary
- If any dosages should be adjusted
- Potential interactions between your medications and supplements
- Generic alternatives that could save money
- Any new medications that might be more effective
Your PromiseCare physician can help simplify your medication regimen and ensure you’re not taking anything unnecessary or potentially harmful.
4. “What are my numbers – blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar – and what should they be?”
Understanding your vital statistics empowers you to track your health between visits. Dr. Bridget Briggs, M.D., a Family Practice physician with PromiseCare Medical Group, says, “Patients who know their target numbers are more successful at managing their health.”
Ask for specific information about:
- Your current blood pressure and the target range (ideal is less than 120/80 mm Hg)
- Total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglyceride levels
- Fasting blood glucose or A1C levels
- BMI and healthy weight range for your height
- Any other relevant lab results from your blood work
Don’t just accept “normal” or “fine” as answers. Get the actual numbers and understand what they mean. Ask what lifestyle changes could improve any numbers that are borderline or elevated.
5. “What’s the single most important lifestyle change I could make to improve my health?”
Rather than overwhelming yourself with multiple changes, focus on the one that will have the biggest impact. Dr. Michael Curley notes, “When patients try to change everything at once, they often end up changing nothing. One sustainable change is better than five temporary ones.”
Your doctor might recommend:
- Adding 30 minutes of daily walking
- Cutting out sugary drinks
- Improving sleep hygiene for better rest
- Reducing sodium intake
- Starting a stress management practice
- Quitting smoking (if applicable)
Ask for specific, actionable steps. Instead of “exercise more,” get details like “walk 10,000 steps daily” or “do strength training twice a week for 20 minutes.”
6. “Should I be screened for depression or anxiety?”
Mental health screening is now recognized as a vital part of primary care. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends anxiety and depression screening for all adults. Dr. Sylvia A. Gisi, M.D., a Family Practice physician at PromiseCare Medical Group, explains, “Many physical symptoms like fatigue, headaches, or digestive issues can actually stem from untreated anxiety or depression.”
Be honest about:
- Changes in your mood or energy levels
- Sleep difficulties
- Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Feelings of overwhelming stress
- Any major life changes or losses
Your doctor may use standardized screening tools like the PHQ-9 for depression or GAD-7 for anxiety. These brief questionnaires help identify mental health concerns early. PromiseCare Medical Group can provide referrals to mental health specialists within their network if needed.
7. “Given my age and health status, what vaccines do I need?”
Adult vaccinations often get overlooked, but they’re crucial for preventing serious illnesses. Dr. John Schoonmaker, M.D., who specializes in Family Practice and Geriatric Medicine at PromiseCare Medical Group, emphasizes, “Staying current with vaccines becomes even more important as we age and our immune systems change.”
Ask about:
- Annual flu shot timing and high-dose options for seniors
- COVID-19 booster eligibility
- Shingles vaccine (for adults 50+)
- Pneumonia vaccine (for adults 65+ or those with certain conditions)
- Tdap booster schedule (every 10 years)
- Any travel vaccines you might need
Your PromiseCare physician can review your immunization history and create a personalized vaccine schedule. Many vaccines can be administered during your visit, saving you an additional appointment.
8. “How often should I really be coming in for check-ups?”
The frequency of medical visits varies significantly based on your health status. While healthy adults might need annual visits, those with chronic conditions may require more frequent monitoring.
Dr. Edivina Gonzales explains, “A 35-year-old with no health issues might be fine with visits every two years, while someone managing diabetes and hypertension might need quarterly appointments.”
Factors affecting visit frequency include:
- Age (more frequent visits typically needed after 50)
- Chronic conditions requiring monitoring
- New medications needing follow-up
- Risk factors for certain diseases
- Recent hospitalizations or health changes
Get a clear schedule for your next appointments and understand what you should monitor at home between visits. PromiseCare Medical Group can set up automatic appointment reminders to help you stay on track.
9. “What symptoms should prompt me to call your office versus going to urgent care or the emergency room?”
Understanding when and where to seek care can save time, money, and potentially your life. Dr. Michael Curley notes, “Many patients aren’t sure when a symptom warrants immediate attention versus waiting for a regular appointment.”
Ask your doctor to clarify:
- Symptoms that require emergency care (chest pain, stroke symptoms, severe bleeding)
- Issues appropriate for urgent care (minor injuries, flu symptoms, UTIs)
- Concerns that can wait for a regular appointment
- How to use PromiseCare Medical Group’s after-hours services
Your physician can provide specific guidance based on your health conditions. For example, what might be a minor issue for one person could be serious for someone with diabetes or heart disease. PromiseCare Medical Group has access to nearly 20 urgent care centers throughout Riverside County for non-emergency urgent needs.
10. “What health goals should I work on before my next visit?”
Setting specific, measurable health goals with your doctor creates accountability and improves outcomes. Dr. Bridget Briggs emphasizes, “Patients who leave with clear goals are more successful at improving their health between visits.”
Work with your doctor to establish:
- Specific, achievable targets (lose 10 pounds, walk 150 minutes per week)
- Timeline for achieving these goals
- Methods for tracking progress
- Resources or referrals that can help (nutritionist, physical therapy, health education programs)
- When to check in about your progress
PromiseCare Medical Group offers various support programs including diabetes management education, weight management programs, and cardiac rehabilitation that can help you achieve your health goals.
Making the Most of Your Annual Physical at PromiseCare Medical Group
As the Inland Empire’s largest Independent Physician Association, PromiseCare Medical Group is committed to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care. Our network of over 60 primary care physicians and 400+ specialists ensures you have access to all the healthcare services you need.
Before Your Appointment:
- Write down these 10 questions and any others you have
- Gather your medication list and family health history
- Complete any pre-visit lab work your doctor requested
- Note any symptoms or concerns you’ve experienced
During Your Visit:
- Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification if you don’t understand something
- Take notes or ask if you can record important instructions
- Be honest about your lifestyle habits and concerns
- Ask for written summaries of your health numbers and goals
After Your Exam:
- Schedule any recommended screenings before leaving the office
- Set reminders for follow-up appointments
- Start working on your health goals immediately
- Use PromiseCare’s patient portal to track your progress and communicate with your provider
The Bottom Line
Your annual physical exam is too important to waste. By asking these 10 essential questions, you’ll leave your appointment with clear information about your health status, actionable steps for improvement, and a roadmap for maintaining your well-being throughout the year.
Dr. Michael Curley concludes, “At PromiseCare Medical Group, we believe that informed patients make the best health decisions. These questions help create a partnership between you and your physician, leading to better health outcomes.”
Don’t let another annual physical pass by without getting the answers you need. Print this list, bring it to your next appointment, and take control of your health journey. To schedule your annual physical exam with PromiseCare Medical Group, call (951) 390-2840 or visit promisecare.com.
Remember: Your health is your most valuable asset, and these 10 questions are your tools for protecting it. Make every annual physical count by being prepared, asking the right questions, and following through on your doctor’s recommendations.