Physical Exam
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Patricia G. Gao, MD
Primary Care Physician located in Glen Burnie, MD
A physical exam, also referred to as an annual wellness visit, is an appointment you make when you’re well. During a physical exam, Dr. Patricia G. Gao conducts preventive measurements based on your age, sex, and medical conditions. Dr. Gao serves patients at her private practice in Glen Burnie, Maryland.
Physical Exam Q&A
What items should you bring to a physical exam?
Bringing the correct items to your physical exam is crucial. Having the right information on hand can help Dr. Gao make any needed diagnoses and create a customized, preventive plan for you. Dr. Gao may ask you bring the following items to your appointment:
- A list of current medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements
- A list of things you’re allergic to
- Results of previous tests and lab work
- Your medical and surgical history
You should also write down any symptoms you’re experiencing and any questions you have to share with Dr. Gao at your appointment.
What lifestyle behaviors are discussed during a physical exam?
During your annual wellness visit, Dr. Gao asks you about your lifestyle behaviors necessary for preventive care, including whether or not you smoke. If you’re a smoker, you’ll need to discuss the amount of smoking you do each day. Alcohol consumption is another commonly discussed topic during physical exams. Besides alcohol consumption, you’ll need to provide Dr. Gao with other crucial details about your diet such as whether you prepare most of your meals at home or dine at fast food restaurants multiple times each week. During your physical exam, Dr. Gao may also talk with you about your exercise habits.
What actions are performed during a physical exam?
Following clinical guidelines, Dr. Gao emphasizes prevention during physical exams. At your annual wellness visit, Dr. Gao screens you for signs of medical problems requiring attention. She checks your vital signs including blood pressure, heart rate, respiration rate, and temperature. Dr. Gao may also listen to your heart and lungs with a stethoscope. A heart exam can detect an irregular heartbeat, a heart murmur, or other signs of heart disease. During a lung exam, she listens for signs of lung and heart disease such as wheezes, crackles, or diminished breath sounds. She may perform an abdominal exam to detect the presence of abdominal fluid, liver problems, or bowel issues. Depending on your age, gender, and medical conditions, Dr. Gao may request lab tests to determine your cholesterol and blood sugar levels and recommend appropriate cancer screening tests or vaccinations to help you maintain your health.
To start receiving the preventive care you need, schedule an appointment with Dr. Gao at her private practice today.
Insurance
We accept the majority of health insurance plans. Please contact our office if you do not see yours listed or have any other questions.
Words from our patients
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"Thorough, listens, takes appropriate time and attention. I searched a very long time for an exceptional primary care physician... Well worth the search!"
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"Dr. Gao and her physician's assistant create a courteous, professional atmosphere... We recommend her to anyone seeking personalized, competent medical treatment."
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"Went in to have Taylor draw a blood sample for analysis. It was quick and Taylor is excellent... and fun to talk to. I am not sure I even felt the needle."
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"With Dr. Gao and her clinic staff's close monitoring and follow up on my health... I lost 45 pounds. I feel great."
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"She has a very kind demeanor and takes time to listen. She treats the "whole person". She is quick to see me in an emergency. Also her staff is excellent!"
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"I am so glad that my wife recommended Dr. Gao. I look forward to her and her staff providing for my health needs. Very pleasant."
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"Taylor knows how to draw blood! That is such a plus in my book! She is kind, willing always helpful and gets the job done. She is an asset to Dr Gao's practice."
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"Staff was very friendly and kind, Dr. Gao was as well. She was patient while i explained my symptoms and was very insightful; definitely would recommend!"
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"Another outstanding visit. Dr. Gao has been a lifesaver for me and my wife for many years."
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"Dr. Gao is very kind and insightful. She took the time to talk to me about any and all concerns I had. I would definitely recommend others to her."
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"Easy to get an appointment for my preoperative procedures. Taylor and Dr. Gao are great! Great bedside manner, kind and caring."
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"I just had out-patient surgery at Dr. Gao's office to have a cyst removed. Dr. Gao was very professional as well as her assistant. I felt no discomfort at all."
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"Clean office, friendly staff, hardly any waiting time, Doctor was attentive and thorough. Look forward to my follow up!"
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"For those of you who are seeking medical care that provides patient priority services this is the place to go!"
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"Dr. Gao is the best Dr I've ever gone to. Her experience and professionalism is amazing. I would never go to any other doctor."
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"Dr. Gao is thorough, attentive, with an excellent patient awareness that relaxes patients receiving treatment or involved in problem diagnosis."
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"I always have a good experience when I have an appointment with Dr Gao. She is always pleasant, listens to me, and most of all she is a very caring doctor."
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"Great service always provided by office personnel. When needed, an appointment is always available... always a pleasant and informative visit with Dr. Gao."
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"My visit was handled efficiently and thoroughly by Dr. Gao and her assistant."
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"Dr. Gao has always shown sincere concern for me and my family and gives us all the best treatment and counseling. I am blessed to have her as our primary care provider."
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"I have been with Dr. Gao for 13+ years. She is a patient and caring doctor who will listen to your concerns and take action."
