Be honest — when did you last have a full checkup?
If you’re pausing to think, you’re not alone. Life gets busy. The kids, work, errands, everything else — and since you feel mostly fine, the yearly physical keeps getting pushed to “next month.” Then next month becomes next year.
The truth is, most adults in Plano and the surrounding areas are overdue for a checkup. And the reason it matters isn’t to find something wrong — it’s to make sure everything stays right.
In this post, we’ll walk through why an annual physical exam is one of the simplest and most valuable things you can do for your health, what actually happens during one, and how to finally make it easy to get it done.
“But I Feel Fine” — Why That’s Not Enough
Feeling fine is wonderful. But here’s something most people don’t realize: many of the most common and serious health conditions develop quietly, with no noticeable symptoms at first.
High blood pressure — often called “the silent killer” because it causes no pain or obvious signs — affects nearly half of all American adults. High cholesterol, prediabetes, thyroid problems, and early kidney issues are the same way. They can be building in your body for years before you feel anything at all.
By the time symptoms show up, these conditions are often more advanced and harder to manage. That’s the whole point of preventive care — catching things early, when they’re easiest to treat and often completely reversible.
A yearly health checkup in Plano isn’t about waiting until something feels wrong. It’s about staying ahead of your health instead of reacting to it.
What Actually Happens at an Annual Physical Exam?
A lot of people avoid checkups simply because they’re not sure what to expect. So let’s walk through it — there’s nothing to worry about.
A thorough adult physical exam typically includes:
- A review of your health history — your doctor will ask about your symptoms, medications, family history, and lifestyle habits like sleep, diet, and stress levels
- Vital signs check — blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, height, and weight
- A head-to-toe physical exam — your doctor checks your heart, lungs, abdomen, skin, and reflexes
- Blood work — a blood draw to check things like blood sugar, cholesterol, thyroid function, kidney health, and more
- Screenings based on your age and risk — things like diabetes screening, cancer screenings, or bone density checks if appropriate
- Vaccinations if needed — making sure you’re up to date on important immunizations
- A conversation about your goals — not just your numbers, but how you’re actually feeling and what health goals matter to you
Dr. Iram Qureshi, DO, takes a particularly thorough approach to the annual wellness exam. As a board-certified internal medicine physician with a background in preventive care, she views the yearly physical not as a checkbox exercise but as a genuine opportunity to understand each patient’s full health picture. Her appointments are unhurried, and patients frequently comment on how much time she actually spends listening.
What Can a Checkup Actually Find?
Here are some of the things that are commonly identified or monitored during a routine annual physical exam in Plano TX — conditions that may have zero symptoms in their early stages:
- Prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes — caught early, this is highly manageable with lifestyle changes
- High blood pressure — easily treated once identified
- High cholesterol — a major risk factor for heart disease that shows no symptoms
- Thyroid problems — an underactive thyroid can cause fatigue and weight gain without obvious warning signs
- Anemia — low iron levels that can leave you feeling constantly drained
- Vitamin deficiencies — especially Vitamin D and B12, which affect energy, mood, and bone health
- Early signs of kidney or liver issues — detectable through routine blood panels long before they cause problems
None of this is meant to worry you. It’s simply a reminder that knowledge is power — and that finding something early almost always means better outcomes, simpler treatment, and far less disruption to your life.
The Biggest Reason People Skip Their Checkup (And How to Fix It)
When patients at Express Internal Medicine are asked why they’ve been putting off their physical, the answers are usually the same:
“I couldn’t get an appointment quickly.” “I didn’t have a regular doctor.” “I wasn’t sure if my insurance covered it.” “I just kept forgetting to schedule it.”
These are all completely understandable. But they’re also all solvable.
Express Internal Medicine offers same-day physical exam appointments in Plano for patients who need to be seen promptly. There’s no months-long wait. Whether you need your annual wellness exam for work, school, or simply because you’re finally ready to prioritize your health — the clinic is set up to make it easy.
For adults across Plano, Allen, Frisco, Richardson, and McKinney who’ve been searching for a reliable primary care doctor in Plano TX, Express Internal Medicine offers exactly the kind of consistent, relationship-based care that makes a real difference over time. You’re not just a chart number here — you’re a person with a full life, and your care reflects that.
And if getting to the clinic is difficult, telemedicine options are available for follow-up visits and ongoing care, so staying connected with your doctor doesn’t have to mean constant trips across town.
Your Health Is Worth One Hour a Year
That’s really all it takes. One appointment. One hour or so of your time.
In exchange, you get a clear picture of where your health stands, peace of mind that things are on track, and the chance to catch anything early — when it’s easiest to address.
You make time for your car’s oil change, your kids’ school events, and your work deadlines. Your own health deserves a spot on that list too.
As Dr. Qureshi often reminds her patients: preventive care isn’t about fear — it’s about freedom. The freedom to keep doing the things you love, for as long as possible, feeling as good as possible.
It’s Time to Book That Checkup
If you’ve been putting it off, let this be the nudge you needed. Dr. Iram Qureshi and the team at Express Internal Medicine are welcoming new patients and would love to be your trusted home for preventive care in Plano, TX.
Same-day appointments are available — so there’s no reason to wait any longer.
Serving adults in Plano, Allen, Frisco, Richardson, and McKinney.
Book your appointment today — because your health deserves caring hands.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an annual physical exam actually take?
Most adult physicals take between 45 minutes to an hour, depending on your age, history, and any concerns you bring up.
Does insurance cover a yearly physical exam?
Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover annual wellness exams at little or no cost — call your provider to confirm your benefits.
Do I need to fast before my annual physical?
Yes, fasting for 8–12 hours before your appointment is recommended if blood work is included, so your cholesterol and blood sugar results are accurate.
What’s the difference between a physical exam and a wellness visit?
A physical exam includes a full head-to-toe assessment and blood work, while a wellness visit focuses more on preventive screenings and health goals.
Can I bring up other health concerns during my annual physical?
Absolutely — your yearly checkup is the perfect time to mention anything that’s been bothering you, no matter how small it seems.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your doctor before making any health decisions.
Dr. Iram Qureshi is a dedicated board-certified Internal Medicine physician with a strong passion for preventative care and weight-loss management. With over five years of experience as a hospitalist, Dr. Qureshi has honed her expertise in treating acute medical conditions and focusing on preventing hospitalizations. She is committed to providing compassionate care and evidence-based guidance to help patients lead healthier lifestyles.
As the co-founder of Express Internal Medicine, Dr. Qureshi works alongside her husband, Dr. Adeel Khan, to create a welcoming and supportive environment for patients. She specializes in weight-loss management, offering personalized treatment plans aimed at achieving sustainable health outcomes. Dr. Qureshi holds degrees from Ohio State University and The University of Pikeville-Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine, with internal medicine training from Midwestern University OPTI in Sierra Vista, Arizona.
Fluent in English and Urdu/Hindi, Dr. Qureshi is passionate about educating her patients and empowering them to take charge of their health. Outside of her medical practice, she enjoys cooking, traveling, photography, and movies.
