5 Questions to Ask at Your Annual Primary Care Visit

Your annual primary care visit is more than a quick check-up—it’s your chance to take charge of your health. Whether you’re feeling great or dealing with ongoing issues, this appointment is a valuable opportunity to ask questions, discuss changes, and make a plan for the year ahead.

The problem? Many patients leave their visit wishing they had remembered to ask something important. That’s why it helps to prepare ahead of time.

If you’re seeing Dr. Robert G. Nobles in San Antonio or another trusted provider, here are five smart questions to bring to your next annual exam, and why they matter.

1. “What Screenings or Tests Do I Need This Year?”

Preventive care is one of the main reasons for having a yearly visit. Your provider can recommend screenings based on your age, family history, and lifestyle.

Examples of common screenings:

• Blood pressure checks
• Blood sugar tests for diabetes
• Cholesterol testing
• Cancer screenings (like mammograms, colonoscopies, or skin checks)
• Bone density scans
• Vision and hearing tests

Even if you feel healthy, these tests can detect issues early—when they’re easiest to treat. For example, catching high cholesterol before it causes heart problems can save you years of future health concerns.

Tip: If you’ve recently had lab work done elsewhere, bring a copy to your appointment so your provider has the full picture.

2. “How Is My Overall Risk for Heart Disease, Diabetes, or Other Chronic Conditions?”

Heart disease and diabetes remain two of the leading health issues in the U.S., including right here in San Antonio. Knowing your personal risk level helps you focus your efforts where they matter most.

Your provider may consider:

• Family history
• Weight and waist circumference
• Blood pressure and cholesterol
• Blood sugar levels
• Lifestyle habits like diet, activity level, smoking, or alcohol use

If your risk is higher, your provider can suggest strategies to lower it—whether that’s changing your nutrition, adding regular exercise, or addressing specific lab results.

Pro tip: Ask for clear numbers. For example, “What is my LDL cholesterol?” and “What should it be?” Having real data can make it easier to track improvements over time.

3. “Are There Any Vaccines I Should Get or Update?”

Vaccines aren’t just for kids; they’re an important part of adult preventive care. Some vaccines protect against illnesses that can be especially dangerous as we age or if we have certain health conditions.

Examples include:

• Annual flu shot
• COVID-19 boosters
• Shingles vaccine (recommended for most adults over 50)
• Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) booster every 10 years
• Pneumonia vaccines for adults over 65 or with certain conditions

Why it matters: Even a mild illness can trigger serious complications in some people. Keeping your vaccinations up to date is one of the simplest ways to protect your health.

Travel tip: If you travel often—especially internationally—let your provider know. You may need additional travel vaccines based on your destination.

4. “Are There Lifestyle Changes That Would Make the Biggest Impact for Me?”

We all know the basics, eat well, move often, and manage stress. But it’s helpful to get guidance specific to you.

Your provider can review your habits and point out changes that will have the greatest impact on your specific health. For example:

• If your blood sugar is creeping up, reducing added sugars may be the most crucial step.
• If you’re feeling fatigued, a sleep evaluation might be a priority.
• If you’re struggling with weight loss, your provider may suggest hormone testing or a structured medical weight loss program (like the one offered at Nobles Internal Medicine in San Antonio).

This is also the perfect time to discuss any goals—whether it’s running a 5K, lowering blood pressure, or simply having more energy for your daily life.

5. “What Changes Have You Noticed in My Health Since Last Year?”

Sometimes, your provider sees trends that aren’t obvious to you. Maybe your blood pressure is gradually increasing, or your weight has shifted, or your lab results are showing early warning signs.

By asking this question, you open the door for your provider to share observations you might not think to ask about. This gives you a chance to take action early, rather than waiting until a small concern becomes a bigger problem.

Bonus: If you’re new to the practice or it’s been more than a year since your last visit, ask, “What would you like me to track or monitor between now and my next appointment?”

How to Get the Most Out of Your Visit

Asking these five questions is a great start, but you can make your annual visit even more effective by:

• Bringing a medication list: Include prescriptions, over-the-counter meds, and supplements.
• Updating your medical history: Note any surgeries, new diagnoses, or major life changes.
• Being honest: Share your real habits—your provider can only help if they have accurate information.
• Taking notes: It’s easy to forget what was discussed; write down key points or ask for a printout.

Why an Annual Visit Matters—Even If You Feel Fine

In San Antonio and across the country, too many people wait until something’s wrong before seeing a doctor. Annual visits are your chance to prevent problems rather than just react to them. They help:

• Detect health issues early
• Keep your vaccinations and screenings up to date
• Build a relationship with your provider so they know your “baseline” health
• Give you peace of mind about where you stand

The Bottom Line

Your annual primary care visit is one of the most important appointments you can make all year. By asking the right questions, you’ll leave with a clearer understanding of your health, a plan for the year ahead, and a stronger partnership with your provider.

At Dr. Nobles' office in San Antonio, we’re here to make your annual visit informative, comfortable, and focused on you. Whether you’re due for a check-up or want to start fresh with a new provider, we’ll take the time to answer your questions and create a personalized plan for your health.

Call to schedule your annual primary care visit today.