General health education · Reviewed by Nicholas O. Atudonyang, MD, Medical Director, on October 18, 2026. Not a diagnosis or an individual care plan.
Prevention is individual
Screening looks for certain conditions before symptoms develop. Which tests are useful depends on factors such as age, health history, anatomy, family history, and individual risk. A universal panel is not a substitute for an appropriate discussion.
Bring dates and past reports
If possible, bring the dates of prior screenings and relevant results. Mention family health history and changes since your last visit. This can help avoid missing necessary follow-up or repeating tests without a clear reason.
Make room for everyday health
Ask about habits you want to improve, such as physical activity, sleep, nutrition, or tobacco exposure. Choose practical questions rather than expecting every issue to be resolved in one appointment. A concern with current symptoms may require a separate diagnostic discussion.
Know what happens afterward
Ask which screenings are recommended, where they would be performed, what preparation is required, and how results will be explained. Confirm costs and coverage before testing when practical. This guide does not establish which screening is appropriate for you.
A wellness reading recommendation
From our Medical Director: How Not to Die
Dr. Nicholas O. Atudonyang recommends How Not to Die by Michael Greger, MD, with Gene Stone (Flatiron Books, 2015) as a starting point for conversations about nutrition and everyday health habits. He listens to the audiobook while driving.
This is a personal reading recommendation, not a treatment plan, and the practice has no affiliation with the book or its publisher. Talk with your clinician before changing your diet or care plan, especially if you have an ongoing condition or take medications.
About the book on the publisher's website (opens in a new tab)
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. Do not wait for a routine appointment, phone call back or email reply.