ASU2003

This question is mainly for the guys or the partners of the ladies. If there was a Boy's Club sub forum, I would have posted it there.

So, how often do you get a routine physical? Do you have a local physician?

I'm a healthy guy and I monitor my own health pretty closely. Nothing seems wrong and everything still works. But, I'm worried about things like tetanus shots and such. I think I was around 19-20 last time I went to the doctor for a physical. That is close to nine, ten years ago now. I've lived in three different states and two countries since then and haven't really bothered with it.

The thing is, my health insurance will cover it 100%, so it's not a money issue. I don't know the first thing about finding a doctor. What should I look for? Is your doctor young, old, male, female? Do you care?

Baraka_Guru

I recently started getting an annual physical. I'm over thirty now, so I want to make a habit of it.

My advice to you is do it. Preventative medicine is the best kind. The most common life-threatening ailments affecting thirtysomething men include melanoma and testicular cancer. Another serious issue with guys is depression. A GP can help screen for that as well.

It's good to have a doctor to check over your moles and testicles once a year. Both cancers are treatable and their spreading is completely avoidable if you catch them in time.

You have one life to live. Take care of it.

So I got my family doctor last year. He's about my age (in his thirties as well). He's soft spoken like me, so I feel comfortable with him. Seriously think about the type of person you are comfortable with and seek him or her out. Meet with your doctor before deciding on going back to him or her regularly. Make it a long-term commitment. As we age, our access to doctors becomes increasingly important. Start now.

I'm sure you can find easy guides on medical sites online that will help you determine what to look for when seeking a family doctor.

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Cynthetiq

Every year. I just go before or after my birthday. It's easy to remember that I have to get a physical.

I just had one in September.

I used to pick them by proximity to work or home, whichever is closer or need to be convenient. The current one I have is 3 blocks away from home.

I also used to pick them based on what prescriptions they would write for me without checking up on me. It was easy to get pharmacueticals to enjoy as entertainment. I no longer care for this requirement. I just want them to dispense what I need based on my health care requirements.

I like female doctors. I feel more comfortable with a female doctor.

I look for someone makes me feel comfortable and that listens to what I have to say and answers my questions until I understand what she is talking about. That said my physicals generally run about 30 - 45 minutes because I demand that amount of time to go over each and every thing from the blood work to age related concerns and issues.

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curiousbear

I had a physical a year ago. A male doctor and a female graduate (intern) did it at different place/time. I was very uncomfortable when the doctor did it. But he diagonized and fixed a problem inside my scrotum.
I also have some small lumps here and there for few years now. My family doctor told me not to worry about it. But I keep worrying about it sometimes.

Bear Cub

My last routine physical was 5, almost 6 years ago. I'm in the hospital so much for followup checks from the cancer and liver problems and have so much blood work done, any sort of extra "routine" physical would be pointless.

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lotsofmagnets

i don´t think i´ve ever had one, at least not in living memory. is there a problem?

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kurty[B]

My last one was right before coming out here (Iraq). For obvious reasons.

Before that, it had been a year and a half. I try to go once a year. I tend to forget to ask about basic things like my birthmark, and if its normal, or malignant, or what? I need to start making a list for the next physical.

As far as choosing a doctor. I see which doctors fall in my insurance plan, and then ask friends or co-workers who they go to, if they like them and such (just like picking a dentist or optometrist or lawyer for that matter). Then, during my physical I determine if I actually like them, if they actually seem to pay attention, or if they are just going through the motions and trying to get me out of their office ASAP. If they are trying to get me out of their office I'll look for a different doctor (I make these judgements when I'm going to the doctor for being sick too, but I haven't gone to a doctor for illness for a long time).

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