Well Woman v Annual Physical

[Anonymous]

Hi-

I have a PCP I'm not crazy about who I usually see for my annual physical in February. I found a GYN who specializes in peri/menopause and got an appointment next August (!). What is the difference between these exams? Do I need both? What tests happen at a Well-Woman, so I can make sure there isn't duplication?

I'm 45 and starting to see some peri signs so want to establish baselines and stay ahead of things. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

So, physicals would be... blood sugar tests, cholesterol, etc. They probably talk about life safety choices and diet. (Do you wear a seat belt, bike helmet, etc? how much fruits/veggies/etc do you eat?)

Well woman would include things like a breast exam and pap smear. A PCP can do these if requested.

You should really talk to both offices, though, to see what tests they'll be doing.

[Anonymous]

Annual physicals are mostly a scam. I don't need some kid interrogating me about how many drinks a week.

My gyn does bloodwork and a complete physical.

[Anonymous]

My annual is thorough. She talks about age appropriate tests, makes sure my care is coordinated, and does labs.

My PCP is great. Get someone you like and take care of yourself.

[Anonymous]

I think it's an insurance thing. I think we "get" a free well woman visit every so many years but then I find if there is an unwell problem discussed, that's extra.

An annual covers tests, etc and monitors my unwellnesses, lol. As contrasted with my new, free Welcome to Medicare visit, which sounds absolutely useless because it's just talk and which I don't plan to have.

I go to both PCP and gyn.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Annual physicals are mostly a scam. I don't need some kid interrogating me about how many drinks a week.

My gyn does bloodwork and a complete physical.

What happens if you get sick? Or, if you develop high blood pressure? I doubt the GYN would handle all this for you. Or, do you go to a walk in clinic? Personally, I am not a fan of walk in places unless it’s the weekend and you have a clear cut issue like an ear infection.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Annual physicals are mostly a scam. I don't need some kid interrogating me about how many drinks a week.

My gyn does bloodwork and a complete physical.

What happens if you get sick? Or, if you develop high blood pressure? I doubt the GYN would handle all this for you. Or, do you go to a walk in clinic? Personally, I am not a fan of walk in places unless it’s the weekend and you have a clear cut issue like an ear infection.

If I get regular sick, I treat the symptoms and tough it out. If I get an infection, I call a doctor friend or relative for a prescription. If I get mystery sick, I avoid corporate PCP practices at all costs. My gyn does a lot, and if it's something she can't handle, I trust her referral for that issue.

I come from a medical family and they all agree that annual physicals are for the bottom line, not for the patient's health.

[Anonymous]

I used to use my well woman gyn appointment
for everything as it seemed duplicate, but past couple of years I've been told I needed to have a separate PCP for general health stuff. Gyn wouldn't run the regular annual labwork when they have done so in the past. I don't have any health issues, so it's not due to some specific concern.

[Anonymous]

There is no evidence that annual physicals provide any benefit, as long as you are getting the required screening tests.

https://www.cnn.com/2015/10/16/health/annual-physical-unnecessary

You can ask your GYN whether you should get any screening tests that they don't provide.

One benefit is being connected to a primary care provider so you have access if you get sick or have concerning symptoms. Some practices require an initial consultation/checkup before taking you on a a patient.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't want to rely on my busy gyn to monitor my borderline creatinine levels, or know the best nephrologists to refer me to. My PCP is well suited for that. My PCP knows my long term health and medical history personally. I have had 4 gynecologists during the same period of time.

[Anonymous]

I visit both annually, and love both. They are each experts in different areas of my health. I have fibroids and endometriosis, and appreciate having a team of medical support that knows my medical history. It would suck to just rely on one of them.

[Anonymous]

Many gyns consider themselves essentially primary care, and will order all bloodwork you would get at an annual physical if need be.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn't want to rely on my busy gyn to monitor my borderline creatinine levels, or know the best nephrologists to refer me to. My PCP is well suited for that. My PCP knows my long term health and medical history personally. I have had 4 gynecologists during the same period of time.

If you have a specific health condition, including something that needs to be monitored on a regular basis, then definitely find the appropriate person, which often will be an internist or general practitioner, but could be a cardiologist or other specialist. But the question was about a generic annual physical and didn't mention any preexisting conditions.

[Anonymous]

Can anyone recommend a good PCP who does not have a waitlist? At this point, I am willing to go out of network or concierge because my PCP seems too busy and a little robotic. I don't need a BFF but I'd like to feel like my dr. remembers me and cares a little bit. MoCo or NW DC.

[Anonymous]

You can't really "stay ahead" of menopause. It just happens and that's it.