It is essential to have a routine medical checkup at least once a year. This helps one take measures to ensure problems do not become serious or unmanageable. And while visiting a doctor for these annual checkups can be a bit stressful, it is crucial to do so and have open communication with them. Asking important questions during routine checkups can help get the right care at the right time. Questions to ask Here are a few questions to ask one’s doctor: 1. Do the vital signs look good? Whether one is visiting the doctor for a normal annual physical exam or to begin treatment, the first thing that is done is taking the vital signs. These include heart rate, respiratory (breathing) rate, temperature, and blood pressure. However, the doctor doesn’t need to check all four. They may simply measure the pulse and blood pressure if it is a general health check-up. Ideally, a doctor should inform the patient outright if any vital signs cause concern. They do not usually say anything if the signs are healthy. Yet, it can be useful to ask the doctor whether the vital signs look okay to ensure one is in better health. 2.