Why have an annual exam?
But even if routine check-ups don't promise a longer life, there are other important benefits. Office visits help you establish a relationship with your primary care provider. They allow your doctor to understand how you prefer to approach your health issues, which is important when choosing the best treatment for you. In addition, an established and trusting relationship is essential when you are faced with a major health problem. An annual exam also establishes your "baseline" health and physical status. Although medical studies are unlikely to demonstrate how this helps, most physicians will confirm that having a baseline helps them diagnose a new condition if it arises.
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