Annual bloodwork importance underscored by Keys family physician

Annual blood tests are a simple but powerful tool that can detect silent health problems before they become emergencies, a local family physician told patients on Jan. 9. Pasquale Dell’Api, D.O., a board-certified family physician at Keys Medical Group Family Medicine - Big Pine Key, said tracking lab results over time lets providers spot trends and intervene early.

“Annual blood work measures naturally-occurring chemicals in the blood to screen for abnormalities that could signal an underlying disorder, which may not show any other signs or symptoms,” said Dr. Dell’Api. “As your results are tracked over time, we can see whether the numbers are trending in the right direction or if there is a potential condition such as diabetes or cholesterol that could benefit from treatment to prevent bigger issues later.”

Primary care clinicians commonly order panels such as a basic metabolic panel, a comprehensive metabolic panel, and a lipoprotein or cholesterol panel. Major measures include glucose, which screens for diabetes risk; calcium and proteins, which can point to bone and nutritional status; bilirubin and liver enzymes, which assess liver function; kidney markers and electrolytes, which show kidney and fluid balance; and LDL, HDL and triglycerides, which are key indicators of cardiovascular risk.

For Monroe County, where island living and limited medical staffing can complicate access, regular bloodwork has public health implications beyond individual care. Early detection of conditions like diabetes, chronic kidney disease and high cholesterol reduces hospitalizations, lowers long-term costs, and lessens strain on emergency services that serve the Keys. It also helps address disparities: uninsured residents and those on tight incomes often present later in the course of disease, when care is more complex and expensive.

Clinics across the county, from primary care offices to community health centers, use lab data to guide preventive treatment, adjust medications and coordinate referrals. Patients who do not have a primary care provider can reach out to the Monroe County health department, community clinics, or their insurance provider's member services to locate a local clinician. Many practices offer sliding-scale fees, telehealth follow-ups, and patient portals where results are posted and history is tracked—useful for residents who travel between islands or work irregular hours.

Routine checkups are also a moment to address social barriers that affect test uptake: transportation to labs, cost of tests, language or health literacy challenges, and distrust of the system. Clinics that embed community health workers or offer mobile labs can help fill those gaps and make preventive care more equitable in the Keys.

Our two cents? Treat your bloodwork like you treat the tide charts — check them regularly, know what the numbers mean, and ask your clinician for clear next steps. If you don't have a primary care provider, call your local health department or clinic and make an annual wellness visit a priority.