6 Important Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Make the most of your annual exam by planning ahead.

Written by Melissa Bean Sterzick

A visit to the doctor can be a hectic experience. Even an annual exam you scheduled six months ago can feel overwhelming as you check in, move from the waiting room to the exam room, stand on the scale, and sit for temperature and blood pressure checks. You might be fasting, so your stomach may be growling. You have a lot of questions.

Most importantly, you want to feel like you’ve made the most of your yearly appointment and hope to leave your doctor’s office having received the care and support you need—plus good news about your overall health.

Cho Rok Kim, MD, is board-certified in internal medicine and a member of the Torrance Memorial Physician Network. She says preparation is the best way to get the most out of your annual exams. Be ready for the physical exam itself and write down concerns beforehand. Take with you a list of your medications and information from any specialists.

“Regular checkups with your primary care physician are crucial for optimizing your health and preventing disease,” she says. “During these routine visits, it's important to ask the right questions so you can proactively manage your well-being.”

Dr. Kim says there are four essential questions all adults should ask their primary care physician every year, and two that vary by age/stage of life:

Am I up-to-date on vaccinations?

Ensuring your vaccinations are current is a fundamental step in preventive care. Discussing this with your primary care doctor will help you stay protected against preventable diseases.

Family History: Am I at risk?

Reviewing your family's medical history with your physician can provide insights into potential hereditary risks.

Personal History: Am I at risk?

Discussing your personal health history will help identify any lifestyle-related risks that might require attention.

Medication Reconciliation: Do I need all these medications?

Review your current medications with your doctor. Discuss each medication and ask if any can be tapered off or adjusted for better management.

Each age group has its own set of health priorities, so Dr. Kim recommends specific questions for different stages life:

For your 20s and 30s:

• Do I need sexually transmitted disease screenings or family planning?
• Do I require further mental health checkups?

For your 40s and 50s:

• Do I need regular blood pressure monitoring or bloodwork for hypertension or diabetes?
• Do I need screenings for colon, breast and skin cancers?

For your 60s and above:

• Do I need a bone density scan for the screening of osteoporosis?
• Is mental health screening necessary for possible depression?

The annual exam is the most crucial part of preventive care. Many insurance plans cover these visits, including basic bloodwork, and this is the perfect opportunity to address symptoms and concerns before they become serious.

Seeing your primary care physician every year provides a baseline, or reference point, for your health. It also helps you establish a relationship with your doctor, creating trust and ensuring they have all the information they need to care for your health.

“Reviewing baseline data such as vital signs, labs and imaging helps physicians make the best decisions for each patient's health, and in order to build up the accurate baseline data, you need to be evaluated by a physician regularly,” says Dr. Kim. She adds that scheduling a checkup every year and preparing for that appointment carefully will help your doctor make an effective and complete examination of your health—and give you peace of mind.

“Empowering yourself with knowledge and actively participating in your preventive care will contribute to a healthier and more fulfilling life,” she says. “By asking the right questions and maintaining a schedule for health tests, you take a proactive approach to well-being, setting the foundation for a long and healthy future.”

Cho Rok Kim, MD, practices at 3333 Skypark Drive, Ste. 100, in Torrance. She can be reached at 310-784-6300.