Do You Need a Yearly Physical?

Do you really need to see your doctor every year for a physical?

It's a question many of us ask—especially as technology makes it easier to track our health from home. Watches, rings, telemedicine, urgent care, and at-home testing can give us more information than ever. But can technology really replace having a doctor who knows you and your health history?

In this episode, Dr. Emily takes a closer look at what a yearly physical is actually for—and why the answer may be more personal than simply "yes, every year."

She talks about:

• Why yearly physicals have become harder to access with the shortage of primary care providers
• What your doctor can notice during an exam that your watch or health device may miss
• Sensitivity vs. specificity and why "normal" readings from a device don't always tell the whole story
• How preventive screening recommendations change with age, family history, and personal risk
• Cervical cancer, breast cancer, and colon cancer screening—and why the timing isn't necessarily yearly
• Why blood pressure deserves attention, even in younger adults
• The growing role of telemedicine, urgent care, and at-home health technology
• Why technology can be helpful but shouldn't replace the relationship with a trusted healthcare provider
• A powerful reminder from Dr. Emily's own patient experience about how having a physician who knows your history can make a difference
• And how this conversation connects to perimenopause, menopause, and the changing health needs that come with getting older

Your health deserves more than a number on a watch or a test result sitting in your inbox. Sometimes, the most valuable part of a physical is having someone who knows you—your history, your risks, your changes, and what questions to ask next.

So if your yearly physical is coming up—or it's been a while—this episode is for you.

Listen to Episode 115 and ask yourself: Do I need a yearly physical, or do I need a better plan for my preventive care?

If this episode speaks to you, share it with people who may need this—and don't forget to leave a review so more people can find the podcast.

Ready for more guidance and support? Head to www.emilyvinzantmd.comhttps://www.emilyvinzantmd.com/ or follow Dr. Emily on Facebook and Instagram for more science-backed common-sense health.