Routine Physicals Specialist

Pouya Shafipour, MD -  - Primary Care Physician

Pouya Shafipour, MD

Primary Care Physician & Weight Loss Specialist located in Santa Monica, CA

A regular physical exam serves as a primary form of prevention, allows you to access nutritional counseling, and improves the doctor-patient relationship. If you’re ready for a routine physical, book an appointment online or by phone with Dr. Pouya Shafipour in Santa Monica, California, to learn more about how an integrated approach to physical health could benefit you.

Routine Physicals Q & A

What's involved in a routine physical?

Your physical begins with a complete health history, including a history of any family disease, so Dr. Shafipour can identify specific diseases or risk factors for which you should be screened or monitored. The exam itself includes measurements of your vital signs, including blood pressure, pulse, and temperature, as well as a general overall assessment of your appearance.

Dr. Shafipour listens to your heart and lungs, looks in your throat and your ears and palpates your belly to feel your liver and check for any signs of tenderness. Other gender-specific evaluations, like a breast exam or prostate check, may also be performed. Finally, he may order lab tests and discuss ways to improve your health.


Why do I need a routine physical?

Routine physicals provide essential information about your general health and can help identify early signs of disease even before symptoms occur. They provide the framework for your healthcare plan and help you and Dr. Shafipour work together to develop a plan aimed at maximizing your health and avoiding disease.

Many screening exams provide the first indication of significant disease risk factors, like high blood pressure or high blood sugar or cholesterol. The earlier such risks are identified, the more they can be mitigated through lifestyle changes or treatments.

In addition to helping avoid major diseases or complications, regular physicals provide an opportunity for you to ask Dr. Shafipour questions, and for him to provide integrated services such as nutritional counseling. Even if you’re in generally good health, you may have questions about your exercise routine or diet. A regular physical keeps the line of communication between you and Dr. Shafipour open.


How often should I have a physical exam?

How often you have an exam depends on several factors, including:

  • Your age
  • Your current health
  • Your risk of certain diseases or conditions
  • The requirements of your insurer

Some insurance companies require regular exams as part of their coverage. Overall, an annual exam is a good way to keep track of your health and help screen for any potential signs or symptoms that could indicate an increased risk for a serious disease.

Major Insurance Providers Accepted

We accept major PPO plans, HMO plans, and Medicare insurance plans. We also offer affordable options for those without insurance or with High Deductible insurance plans. We are not on network with Medi-Cal. Below is a short list of just some of the plans we accept. Please contact our office with any questions.

Aetna
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
BCBS
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Shield of California
Cigna
First Health
Health Net
Meritain Health
MultiPlan
Oscar
Oxford Health Plans
Providence
SCAN Health Plan
UnitedHealthcare