Your Annual Checkup: A Transformative Experience at MOZAÏK
- Dr. Lindsey Beauboeuf
- Dec 23, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 4
A patient once told me she took a half day off work, waited 45 minutes in the waiting room, and got just 12 minutes with her doctor.
She left with a prescription she didn't understand, a referral she couldn't afford, and a list of questions she never got to ask.
She told me later:
"I felt like a checkbox, not a person."
Imagine this: You took time off work. You put on a paper gown. You answered the same questions you answered last year. You got weighed in a hallway. You had your blood pressure checked.
Then, the doctor came in. They listened to your heart and lungs, looked at a screen, and asked if you had any questions. Before you could finish your first one, they were already typing notes and standing up to leave.
Ten minutes. Maybe twelve.
And you walked out thinking: That's it? I have actual questions.
If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. And you're not asking for too much.
Your Annual Checkup Shouldn't Feel Like a Waste of Time
Here's what most people don't realize about annual exams:
Insurance-based care often follows rigid protocols that don't account for your individual story. You might get started on a medication because it checks a box on a guideline, even if it doesn't make sense for your life. You might worry about your family history of breast cancer but get told "you're not old enough yet" for screening, even though your risk is real.
Standard guidelines have their place. But they're not built to see the whole person sitting in front of me.
You're allowed to ask for tests that make sense for YOUR health. Your doctor should explain your results in context, not just say "everything's normal." And if you feel rushed or unheard? That's usually a sign of a system problem, not a you problem.
You deserve a care model that actually has time for your questions.
Ready to see if DPC is right for you? Book your free 15-minute Fit Call →
Why So Many Black Women Dread Their Annual Exam
Too many of us have been rushed out in under 10 minutes. We’ve been told to lose weight without being asked a single question. We’ve been ignored when we said something didn't feel right. We’ve left to explain our faith, foods, or family dynamics. We’ve been dismissed for "normal" labs when we still felt awful.
This isn't in your head. It's documented. Black women are more likely to be dismissed when reporting pain. Studies show we're often given less time with providers. Nearly 1 in 3 Black women say a provider has dismissed their concerns altogether.
That's why we built MOZAÏK differently.
What Should a Primary Care Annual Exam Include for Black Women?
If you're used to being rushed through the basics, here's what a real checkup can and should include:
A full review of your health history.
Time to talk through real concerns, from digestive issues to sleep problems to brain fog.
A review of your medications, supplements, birth control, or herbal remedies.
Support for nutrition, stress, hormones, movement, and sleep.
Review of your mental and emotional wellness.
Language access and cultural understanding.
A follow-up plan you can actually stick with.
This is what Lifestyle Medicine looks like in practice.
At MOZAÏK, you'll never hear "your labs are normal" and be sent out the door. We explain what normal means for YOU.
Ready to see if DPC is right for you? Book your free 15-minute Fit Call →
What Labs Matter (and What to Ask For)
Too many women walk away from annuals without the tests that matter most. At MOZAÏK, here are some of the labs we often recommend, especially for Black women:
Vitamin D – Often low in melanated skin, linked to mood, bones, and immunity.
Iron and ferritin – Especially important if you have heavy periods or fibroids.
Thyroid panel – Fatigue and weight changes could be missed thyroid issues.
Hemoglobin A1C – Checks for diabetes risk. Black women are highly likely to develop it.
Cholesterol and lipids – Not just about heart health; it can affect hormones too.
CBC + CMP – Baseline panels to screen for anemia, organ function, hydration, and more.
We also look at patterns over time and not just one lab on one day.
How to Prepare for Your Annual Exam at MOZAÏK
You don't need to come in with everything figured out. But if you want to prep, here's what can help:
A list of current medications or supplements.
Any recent symptoms you've noticed. Family health history (if you know it).
Questions you've been saving up.
Your health goals for the year, no matter how small.
And if you don't have all this? That's okay. We'll figure it out together.
Download our free guide: 5-Day Energy Reset Guide
A simple, culturally rooted plan to help you feel lighter, clearer, and more energized in just five days.
What Happens After Your Exam
In traditional practices, follow-up often falls through the cracks because doctors are overbooked. In our model, we're here between visits too.
You get a summary of your visit. Labs explained in plain language. A plan that fits your life. Answers to follow-up questions via secure text or email. Easy access to schedule another visit (without waiting months).
That's the beauty of small-roster care through Direct Primary Care.
Common Questions About Annual Checkups at MOZAÏK
"How is this different from my insurance-covered physical?"
Your insurance-covered physical gives you 15 minutes and a standardized checklist. At MOZAÏK, you get a full hour and a conversation built around YOUR life.
"Do I need to bring my insurance card?"
Nope. We don't bill insurance. Here's how our Direct Primary Care model works.
"What if I haven't had a checkup in years?"
You're not behind. You're starting now. And we'll meet you there.
"Can I bring my mom or sister who doesn't speak English well?"
Yes. We speak Haitian Creole and French. Families are welcome.
"How much does it cost?"
It's included in your membership. No copays. No surprise bills. See membership options.
Want to Learn More?
What’s Included in Membership - See how it works and what it costs
My Story - Why I left traditional healthcare
Schedule Your Fit Call - Let’s see if we’re a good match
Slow Down and Stay Connected - Join the community
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