Kick off the new year with an annual visit

A fresh start for the new year: Why your annual check-up matters

Every December we look ahead to the new year with fresh determination. We set resolutions to eat healthier, exercise more, and get our finances—or our lives—in order. But when it comes to health, our momentum often slows or disappears.

Scheduling your annual check-up with your primary care physician is one simple step to jump-start your New Year. In fact, it sets a strong foundation for all your other health goals.

Why annual visits matter

If you’re feeling fine, you might assume you don’t need to see your doctor, but research shows otherwise. Annual visits serve as a cornerstone of preventive care, helping you catch potential problems early while building a strong relationship with your physician.

A study published in Health Affairs found that adults with regular primary care relationships had significantly better health outcomes and lower overall healthcare costs. Another study in The Journal of the American Medical Association highlighted that preventive care visits are linked to higher rates of recommended screenings and vaccinations, which reduce the risk of serious disease.

This research shows that your annual check-up isn’t just about today’s risks: it’s about protecting your tomorrows.

What to expect from a visit: Preventive, not just reactive care

Too often, healthcare is reactive—we go to the doctor when something is already wrong. The annual visit flips that script into a proactive approach. Your physician can review your medical history, assess risk factors, and guide you in lifestyle adjustments that can keep chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease at bay.

Whether you see your physician in person or through a virtual visit, your annual check-up will include a review of your vital signs, health history, and preventive screenings. You may be asked about lifestyle habits such as diet, exercise, and sleep. Depending on your age and health status, your provider may order lab tests or recommend screenings such as blood pressure checks, cholesterol panels, or cancer screenings.

The goal isn’t just to check the boxes but to give you and your physician a clear picture of your health and a roadmap for the year ahead.

Virtual or in-person: Both make a difference

For CHM members, a convenient way to make a primary care physician visit is through CHM’s Virtual Care Solution (VCS), powered by HealthTap. Virtual visits address much of what an in-person appointment offers: medical history, preventive advice, and ordering labs or screenings if needed. If you don’t have a primary care physician for issues that require physical exams or hands-on procedures, your HealthTap physician can refer you toward appropriate in-person follow-up. With VCS, you don’t have to wait until you can schedule an in-office visit. Instead, you can begin today from the comfort of your home.

It’s important to note that CHM’s Virtual Care Solution is valuable because CHM programs are designed to support eligible bills arising from illness or injury. Routine wellness visits are only eligible for sharing when the Qualifying Amount is met. VCS visits are already included as part of your CHM membership. If lab work, imaging, or treatment arises from the check-up, your eligibility for sharing will be determined according to CHM Guidelines and your CHM program.

Making it part of your goals

If you’re looking for a practical, high-impact resolution for the coming year, put annual check-up at the top of your list. It’s one of the simplest and most effective ways to invest in your health, honor the body God has entrusted to you, and care for your family by being proactive about your wellbeing.

Don’t wait until something feels wrong, and don’t let this year slip by without making this investment in your health. With a visit, you can catch small issues before they grow into larger ones and equip yourself with knowledge and encouragement for the year ahead.

Log on to schedule your virtual annual visit with a HealthTap physician today—or call your primary care physician. It’s a small step now that can make a big difference in the year to come.

References

1. Levine DM, Linder JA, Landon BE. “Association of Having a Primary Care Physician With Health Care Utilization and Spending.” Health Affairs. 2019;38(6):1057–1064.

2. Ganguli I, Souza J, McWilliams JM, et al. “Preventive Care Visits and Preventive Care Delivery in Accountable Care Organizations vs Other Practices.” JAMA Internal Medicine. 2020;180(4):463–472.

3. Starfield B, Shi L, Macinko J. “Contribution of Primary Care to Health Systems and Health.” Milbank Quarterly. 2005;83(3):457–502. Why Consider a Second Opinion?