The Annual Well Woman/Teen Visit is divided into three parts:
The first part consists of reviewing your entire health history.
If this is your first visit to the office you will be given a Female Health History Questionnaire to fill out which can be done in advance and mailed to you. The discussion of your health history will focus on any recent surgeries, injuries, illnesses, pregnancies, medical prescriptions, over-the-counter supplements or aides, exercise programs, dietary changes, new stresses, lifestyle changes or sexual conditions that have occurred since your previous yearly well woman/teen office visit. There is also a brief review of your eleven body systems to search for any subtle symptoms that might suggest a new health problem. The health history discussion typically takes 10-15 minutes.
The second part of the Annual visit is the physical exam.
At this time, eight body areas plus vital signs are usually evaluated. This includes a routine breast and pelvic exam except in teens who have no specific gynecological concerns and have never been sexually active. The physical exam usually takes 8-12 minutes.
The last part of the Annual visit is a discussion.
We talk about your health history and physical exam findings and recommendations for health improvement. Also, any recommended routine, preventive care blood and urine testing, and imaging studies would be discussed now. Further tests may be recommended based on the evaluation at this visit. We also discuss with you now, any healthcare issues you may have from contraception to menopause to the latest healthcare guidelines or treatments that you may have learned about on television, in magazines or on the internet. This last part of your visit usually lasts 15-20 minutes. We realize this is not your favorite appointment of the year and we want you to feel well taken care of by the end of your visit.
