The timing of your annual physical exam can affect your experience and quality of care. For example, spring is ideal for a comfortable check-up and early allergy testing. However, it’s also a popular time for sports physicals, so you might need to book your appointment well ahead of time. And if you struggle with allergies, peak allergy season might make you miserable during your appointment.
While summer can offer greater flexibility in scheduling with longer days and vacation periods, it can also bring some scheduling challenges due to overlapping vacation plans. Additionally, the hot summer weather may pose some discomfort during your visit. Fall weather is typically mild and stable, and you can get flu shots and COVID boosters while you’re there to stay protected during the upcoming season. However, making an appointment during the busy back-to-school season can be hectic.
Dr. Nathan Goodyear, Medical Director of Brio-Medical, says that despite the typically poor habits and excess of the holiday season, January is the best time for an annual physical. “What month provides more motivation, beginnings, opportunities, possibilities to focus on wellness and/or healing for the coming year than the beginning of the year?” Dr. Goodyear told Health Digest exclusively, adding, “It is the opportunity for another beginning.”