Primary care for those who strive to be healthy and active.
All In Family Medicine is a small family practice. Our staff will take the time to get to know you and your family.
We offer ongoing healthcare care for the whole family as well as management of chronic medical conditions such as Diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol.
If you are an athlete or someone that takes physical fitness seriously, you will be right at home with our primary care provider Lisa Blackwelder. Lisa is a 3 time Ironman Finisher and understands the unique healthcare needs of those who strive to be fit and active.
Take the first step to a healthier life.
More Information on Primary Care
Primary Care is a patient's main source for regular medical care, ideally providing continuity and integration of health care services. Primary care is the day-to-day healthcare given by a health care provider. Typically this provider acts as the first contact and principal point of continuing care for patients within a healthcare system, and coordinates other specialist care that the patient may need. Comprehensive care for persons with any undiagnosed sign, symptom, or health concern (the "undifferentiated" patient) not limited by problem origin (biological, behavioral, or social), organ system, or diagnosis.
Primary care includes health promotion, disease prevention, health maintenance, counseling, patient education, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses in a variety of health care settings. Primary care is performed and managed by a qualified provider (either Physician or Physician’s Assistant working with the Physician, or a Nurse Practitioner) often collaborating with other health professionals, and utilizing consultation or referral as appropriate. Primary care provides patient advocacy in the health care system to accomplish cost-effective care by coordination of health care services. Primary care promotes effective communication with patients and encourages the role of the patient as a partner in health care.
Annual Physicals
A routine physical examination ensures that you stay in good health. A physical can also be a preventive step. It allows you to catch up on vaccinations or detect a serious condition, like cancer or diabetes, before it causes problems.
Annual Physical Exam - The Basics:
The physical exam is an essential part of any doctor's visit. Surprisingly, though, there are no absolutes in a routine physical. A good doctor may be thorough or brief, but he or she will spend time listening to your concerns and providing counseling for your particular needs.
Annual exams usually check your:
History. This is your chance to mention any complaints or concerns about your health. Your doctor will also likely quiz you about lifestyle behaviors like smoking, excessive alcohol use, sexual health, diet, and exercise. The doctor will also check on your vaccination status and update your personal and family medical history.
Vital Signs - These are some vital signs checked by your doctor:
- Blood pressure: Less than 120 over less than 80 is a normal blood pressure. Doctors define high blood pressure (hypertension) as 130 over 80 or higher.
- Heart rate: Values between 60 and 100 are considered normal. Many healthy people have heart rates slower than 60, however.
- Respiration rate: From 12 to 16 breaths per minute is normal for a healthy adult. Breathing more than 20 times per minute can suggest heart or lung problems.
- Temperature: 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit is the average, but healthy people can have resting temperatures slightly higher or lower.
- General Appearance. Heart. Lungs, Head and Neck, Abdomen, Neurologic, Extremities.
It may also include gender specific focus such as Testicular, hernia, or prostate exam, or breast exam and pelvic exam Laboratory Tests
There are no standard laboratory tests during an annual physical. However, some doctors will order certain tests routinely:
- Complete blood count
- Chemistry panel
- Urinalysis (UA)
- Lipid panel either basic or NMR lipoprofile (at least every 4-6 yrs)
- Hemoglobin A1c if you are overweight, have Diabetes or significant risk factors for Diabetes or genetic risks, or if >45 years of age
Unless symptoms already suggest a problem, however, these tests are unlikely to provide useful information.
Physicals Should Emphasize Prevention
The annual physical exam is a great opportunity to refocus your attention on prevention and screening including:
- At age 50, Colonoscopy.
- At age 40 or older in women: Mammogram
Do You Even Need An Annual Physical Exam?
The annual physical exam is beloved by many people and their doctors. Seeing a provider yearly can help to form a relationship so that when you are sick you are known by a provider. The yearly exam may help identify risks that you are unaware of and using lab work can help identify problems like diabetes early so that you can delay/prevent its onset.
Exercising, keeping a healthy weight, and not smoking are enough to keep most of us in good health, with or without an annual exam. Still, no one can argue with keeping up a good relationship with your doctor through regular visits. As long as you and your doctor are paying attention to prevention and your overall health, the details are up to you.
School Sports Physicals
School physicals are a great way to make sure an athlete can safely play. Even if your state or school doesn't require it, sports physicals provide an opportunity to make sure your student is healthy. These are low cost at $30.00.
What Is a Sports Physical?
In the sports medicine field, the sports physical exam is known as a pre-participation physical examination (PPE). The exam helps determine whether it's safe for you to participate in a certain sport. Most states actually require that kids and teens have a sports physical before they can start a new sport or begin a new competitive season. But even if a sports physical isn't required, doctors still highly recommend getting one.
The two main parts to a sports physical are the medical history and the physical exam.
Medical History
- Serious illnesses among family members
- Illnesses that you had when you were younger or may have now, such as asthma, diabetes, or epilepsy (if you are currently seeing a specialist or provider for these sometimes complicated medical issues-you should get a note declaring you to be cleared for their portion of your health)
- Previous hospitalizations or surgeries
- allergies (to insect bites, for example)
- Past injuries (including concussions, sprains, or bone fractures)
- Whether you've ever passed out, felt dizzy, had chest pain, or had trouble breathing during exercise
- Any medications that you are on (including over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, and prescription medications)
The medical office or school will usually provide a History form for parents and athletes to complete and bring to the exam. Answer the questions as well as you can. Try not to guess the answers or give answers you think your doctor wants. Looking at patterns of illness in your family is a good way to consider possible conditions you may have. Most sports medicine doctors believe the medical history is the most important part of the sports physical exam, so take time to answer the questions carefully. It's unlikely that your answers will prevent you from playing your sports.
Physical Examination
The physical exam is similar to a routine physical but closer attention is paid to the heart and musculoskeletal exam.
A Provider will also ask questions about use of drugs, alcohol, or dietary supplements, including steroids or other "performance enhancers" and weight-loss supplements, because these can affect a person's health.
At the end of your exam, the doctor will either fill out and sign a form if everything checks out OK or, in some cases, recommend a follow-up exam, additional tests, or specific treatment for medical problems.
Why Is a Sports Physical Important?
A sports physical can help you find out about and deal with health problems that might interfere with your participation in a sport. For example, if you have frequent asthma attacks but are a starting forward in soccer, a doctor might be able to prescribe a different type of inhaler or adjust the dosage so that you can breathe more easily when you run.
When Should I Go for a Sports Physical?
Ideally the physical should be done 6 weeks before the start of the school year or the sport season so that any problems identified can be referred to a specialist and cleared for participation.
Do I still need to see my primary care provider regularly?
Yes because the sports physical does not do lab work or immunization tracking.