Preventive care helps keep you healthy. It looks for small problems before they become big. At Primary Care of Kansas, we give many tests and screenings to help you and your family stay well. We will explain the common checks you may receive. We keep things simple so you can understand what to expect.
What Is Preventive Care?
Preventive care is regular health care. It includes exams, tests and shots. The goal is to stop the disease or find it early. Early care is easier to treat. We focus on your whole family. This means newborns, children, adults and older adults all get the checks they need.
Why Tests and Screenings Matter
Tests and screenings can:
- Find problems early when they are easier to fix.
- Help you stay on track with medicines or lifestyle changes.
- Give peace of mind when results are normal.
- Help us make a plan just for you.
What To Expect at an Annual Physical
An annual physical is a full checkup each year. It often includes:
- A review of your health history and medicines.
- Measurements of height, weight and body mass index.
- Blood pressure check.
- Reflex and heart and lung exam.
- Discussion about vaccines, screening tests and healthy habits.
We use annual physicals to plan which tests you need this year.
Common Blood Tests
Blood tests are quick and tell us a lot. Common tests include:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): checks for anemia and infection.
- Basic Metabolic Panel: checks kidneys, electrolytes and blood sugar.
- Lipid Panel: measures cholesterol and triglycerides.
- Hemoglobin A1c: shows average blood sugar over months for diabetes.
- Thyroid Tests: check how your thyroid works.
These tests help us find problems like diabetes, high cholesterol and thyroid disorders.
Cancer Screenings
Screenings help find cancer early. Common screenings are:
- Cervical Cancer Screening: Pap test and HPV testing for women. These help find changes early.
- Breast Cancer Screening: Mammograms for women at recommended ages.
- Colorectal Cancer Screening: Colonoscopy, stool tests, or other options for adults starting at the age your doctor recommends.
- Skin Checks: A visual exam for unusual moles or spots.
We will talk with you about which screenings you need and when to have them.
Heart Health Checks
Heart disease is common but often preventable. Tests for heart health include:
- Blood pressure checks at every visit.
- Cholesterol tests to see heart disease risk.
- EKGs when symptoms or risk factors are present.
- Lifestyle review: smoking, diet, activity and stress.
We can help you lower risk with diet, exercise and medicines when needed.
Diabetes Screening
Diabetes can be silent at first. We check:
- Fasting blood glucose or A1c tests.
- Risk factors like family history, weight and age.
If prediabetes or diabetes is found, we make a plan. This can include education, medicine and support.
Women’s Health Screenings
Women have some special screenings:
- Pap Smear and HPV Testing for cervical health.
- Mammograms for breast cancer screening when due.
- Bone density tests for older women to check for osteoporosis.
- Birth control and family planning care when wanted.
Primary Care of Kansas offers women’s health services and exams with respect and privacy.
Men’s Health Screenings
Men should get regular checks too:
- Blood pressure and cholesterol checks.
- Diabetes screening.
- Prostate screening based on age and risk.
- Counseling for mental health and lifestyle.
We support men’s health and talk openly about care needs.
Child and Teen Screenings
Children need many checks to grow well:
- Newborn and infant exams.
- Growth and development checks.
- Vaccines on schedule.
- School physicals for sports and school needs.
- Vision and hearing checks when needed.
We watch growth and development closely and guide parents at each step.
Immunizations
Shots keep many diseases away. We check your vaccine needs at each visit. Common vaccines include:
- Flu shot each year.
- Tdap and childhood vaccines.
- COVID-19 vaccines and boosters as recommended.
- Shingles and pneumonia vaccines for older adults.
We make sure you and your family are up to date.
Mental Health Screening
Mental health is a part of overall health. We screen for:
- Depression and anxiety.
- Stress and sleep issues.
- Substance use concerns.
If needed, we offer support or refer you to specialists. Mental health care is part of our services.
Tests Done in Office
Some tests are quick and done in the clinic:
- Urine tests for infection or kidney issues.
- Rapid strep or flu tests when sick.
- EKG for heart rhythm checks.
- Minor procedures and joint injections when needed.
These help us treat you faster without extra trips.
When You Need Specialty Referrals
Sometimes you need a specialist. We will refer you when:
- Tests show a problem we need help treating.
- You need a test we do not do here.
- You want a second opinion.
We work with specialists to make sure your care is smooth.
How We Make a Personalized Plan
Every person is different. We make a plan for you based on:
- Your age and family history.
- Your past health and current medicines.
- Your lifestyle, work and goals.
We explain the tests and why we recommend them. You can ask questions. We want you to feel part of the plan.
Tips To Prepare for Tests
Here are some easy tips:
- Bring a list of your medicines.
- Wear loose clothes for exams.
- Fast if the test needs it (we will tell you).
- Write down questions to ask your provider.
These steps help your visit go smoothly.
How Often Should You Be Screened?
Screening timing depends on age and risk. Examples:
- Annual physicals every year for most adults.
- Blood pressure checks at least once a year or more if high.
- Cholesterol checks every few years or more often if risk is high.
- Cancer screenings at the ages your doctor recommends.
We will give you a schedule that fits your needs.
Why Choose Primary Care of Kansas?
At Primary Care of Kansas, we give care to your whole family. We offer:
- Annual physicals and wellness exams.
- Women’s and men’s health services.
- Newborn and infant care.
- Immunizations and in-office procedures.
- Diabetes education and mental health support.
- Specialty referrals when needed.
We listen to you. We make a plan that fits your life. We help you understand the tests and results.
Final Thoughts
Preventive care tests and screenings help you stay healthy. They catch problems early. They also help you feel in control of your health. We are here to help you and your family with clear answers and kind care.
If you want to learn which tests are right for you, call Primary Care of Kansas. We will set up a visit and make a simple care plan just for you. Your health matters to us. Together, we can keep you well.
FAQs
Will the tests hurt?
Most tests are quick and cause little pain. Some shots or blood draws may pinch.
How will I get my results?
We call or use our patient portal to share results. We explain what they mean.
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