At Cullman Internal Medicine, we are a patient-centered practice focusing on the whole person. Our team of service providers works with you to help meet you right where you are. We want to help you discern the next best steps to take care of yourself and help create an action plan for your health and well-being.
Why Blood Work Matters at Your Annual Wellness Visit
Annual wellness visits are designed to catch potential health problems early and to keep track of changes over time. In essence, wellness visits are all about prevention. While you may feel perfectly healthy, conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, or even thyroid disorders can develop quietly in the background. Blood tests provide important insights so that your provider at Cullman Internal Medicine can make informed recommendations about your care.
In Cullman, where community and family health are top priorities, these visits and the accompanying blood work give patients peace of mind and a road map for healthier living. Not only this, but when you are consistent with your annual wellness visits, we can track your blood work over time and see if there are any changes that need to be addressed.
Common Blood Tests at Wellness Visits
At Cullman Internal Medicine, the blood tests ordered during an annual wellness exam typically includes a panel of common tests that check your overall health. Let’s break down what some of these tests mean.
A CBC measures the different types of cells in your blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets.
- Red blood cells and hemoglobin: Low levels may indicate anemia, which could be caused by iron deficiency or other conditions.
- White blood cells: Higher levels may suggest an infection, while very low levels can point to bone marrow issues or certain chronic diseases.
- Platelets: These help with blood clotting. Abnormal numbers may indicate clotting disorders or other health concerns.
A CBC provides a broad overview of your blood health and can be the first clue toward identifying underlying issues. While it may be tempting to try to discern your blood work results yourself, we encourage you to wait until your follow-up appointment with your care provider to review results with them.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
The CMP checks many factors related to organ function, electrolyte balance, and metabolism. It includes:
- Blood sugar (glucose): Elevated levels may signal prediabetes or diabetes.
- Kidney function: Measured by creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Abnormalities may point to reduced kidney function.
- Liver enzymes: High levels can indicate liver problems such as fatty liver disease, hepatitis, or damage from medications.
- Electrolytes: Sodium, potassium, and chloride levels help evaluate hydration, heart health, and muscle function.
This panel provides a wide picture of your body’s internal balance. This blood test is often a part of a comprehensive annual wellness visit.
A lipid panel checks cholesterol and triglyceride levels. These numbers are closely linked to heart health.
- LDL cholesterol (often called “bad” cholesterol): High levels can build up in arteries and increase your risk for heart disease.
- HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol): Helps carry LDL away from arteries. Higher levels are protective. While it is easy to believe that all cholesterol is “bad,” the truth is that you need HDL cholesterol for a healthy heart.
- Triglycerides: A type of fat in the blood. High numbers may increase your risk of heart disease and are often linked with diabetes and obesity.
Since heart disease is one of the leading health concerns in Alabama, keeping track of your cholesterol through annual blood tests is especially important.
Thyroid Function Tests
Sometimes, depending on your age, symptoms, or risk factors, your provider may also check thyroid hormone levels. Thyroid disorders are common and can affect your metabolism, energy, and weight. An overactive thyroid may cause unexplained weight loss or anxiety, while an underactive thyroid can lead to fatigue and weight gain.
Hemoglobin A1c
This test shows your average blood sugar over the last three months. While fasting glucose gives a snapshot, the A1c test is a longer-term view. It’s an important screening tool for diabetes or prediabetes and helps your provider know if blood sugar management is on track.
Vitamin and Nutrient Levels
In some cases, your provider may order vitamin D, vitamin B12, or iron studies. These tests are often checked if you experience fatigue, weakness, or other related symptoms. Many people in Alabama and across the country have a vitamin D deficiency, which can affect bone and immune health.
Why Interpreting Results with Your Doctor Matters
It’s easy to look up numbers online once you receive your lab results, but interpretation isn’t always straightforward. “Normal” ranges can vary based on age, sex, and even the lab performing the test. Something slightly outside the range may not be concerning, while other results within the range might still raise a red flag depending on your health history.
That’s where your relationship with your care team at Cullman Internal Medicine comes in. Your provider knows your medical history, risk factors, and current health concerns, and can put your lab results into context. Together, you can create a plan to maintain or improve your health.
The Value of Wellness Visits Beyond Blood Work
Blood tests are just one piece of the puzzle. During your annual wellness visit, your provider will also:
- Review your health history and medications.
- Check your blood pressure, heart rate, and weight.
- Discuss preventive screenings like mammograms, colonoscopies, or prostate exams based on your age and risk factors.
- Address lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and stress.
- Provide vaccinations if needed.
All of these steps, combined with lab results, create a complete picture of your health and help prevent problems before they become serious.
Staying Ahead with Preventive Care in Cullman
Preventive care is always easier and more effective than treating advanced illness. For example:
- Detecting high cholesterol early gives you the chance to make diet and lifestyle changes, or start medications, if necessary, to protect your heart.
- Identifying prediabetes through blood work can help you take steps to avoid developing type 2 diabetes.
- Monitoring kidney or liver function ensures medications or lifestyle factors aren’t causing hidden damage.
By keeping up with annual wellness visits at Cullman Internal Medicine, you’re not just checking a box—you’re investing in your future health.
Taking Control of Your Health
Many patients feel nervous about blood work, but the reality is that these tests are one of the most powerful tools in modern medicine. They provide clarity, direction, and peace of mind. The team at Cullman Internal Medicine uses these results to partner with you in building a healthier life.
If it’s been more than a year since your last wellness exam, consider scheduling one. Whether you’re managing a chronic condition or simply wanting to stay proactive, annual blood work is an essential step in maintaining long-term health.
Blood tests may just look like numbers on a page, but they tell a story about your overall health. At Cullman Internal Medicine, your providers are here to help you understand that story and use it to guide your health decisions. By making annual wellness visits and blood work a priority, you give yourself the best chance at preventing illness, catching problems early, and staying well for years to come.
Bethany is a board-certified family medicine Nurse Practitioner. She grew up in Cullman, watching her father, a physician, and her mother, a nurse, care for patients with both their hearts and hands. She learned from them that not only working hard, but loving and treating patients like family would develop the career that best suited her desire to help others. She has been caring for patients at Cullman Internal Medicine for 25 years. Building long-lasting relationships with her patients is important to her, and she genuinely enjoys being a part of their lives. She strives to provide compassionate, competent medical care which fosters an environment of mutual trust and respect.
Bobi Jo Creel is a board-certified Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ANCC-ACNP) with over 20 years of nursing experience. Born and raised in Cullman County, Alabama, she is deeply committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care to adults and seniors in her local community.
Alicia is from Thomasville, Ga, but practiced in Burlington, Iowa from 2017 until joining Cullman Internal Medicine in 2025. Most of Alicia’s experience is in rural primary healthcare, which is where she learned of her passion for caring for patients with diabetes. From 2023 – 2025, her sole focus was assisting individuals in manage their condition more effectively, with a strong emphasis on long-term health and prevention of complications.
Pam is a lifelong resident of Marshall County and a graduate of Albertville High School, Class of 1976. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1981. Pam began her career in emergency and critical care nursing, serving in both the ER and ICU. When Marshall Medical Center North (MMCN) opened in 1990, she became the Nurse Manager of the ICU.
Stacey Varden is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner who works alongside Dr. Jeremy Stidham in Internal Medicine. She earned her Master’s degree in Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and collectively has over 18 years of nursing experience. Before becoming a Nurse Practitioner, she served as a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department at Children’s of Alabama, where she developed a strong foundation in acute and compassionate patient care.
Lorie Jones is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner born & raised in Cullman, Alabama. Her nursing career began in 1997 after earning her Licensed Practical Nursing diploma from Wallace State Community College, followed by an Associate Degree in Nursing in 2000. She gained extensive clinical experience working at both Woodland Medical Center and Cullman Regional Medical Center before advancing her education to become a nurse practitioner.
Mollie Dockery, MSN, FNP-C, is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a passion for providing compassionate, evidence-based care to patients of all ages. With over 14 years of nursing experience and two years in advanced practice, Mollie brings a deep understanding of patient needs, especially in managing chronic conditions and promoting preventive health. Her approach is rooted in empathy, education, and a strong commitment to individualized care.
Kristy is known for providing personalized, expert care in Sleep and Lung Health, where she empowers patients thru education, awareness, supportive listening and compassionate guidance. A Cullman native, Kristy is deeply rooted in our community and shares a sincere
With over 15 years of nursing experience, Nancy Cornell is a dedicated and compassionate Family Nurse Practitioner (NP) committed to providing high-quality care to her patients. After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Western Governors University in 2017, she went on to complete her Master’s degree in Nursing in 2022. For two years, Nancy has been a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, applying her expertise in community urgent care to treat a diverse range of health needs.
Clark Still is a Licensed Professional Counselor with Cullman Internal Medicine. Clark is also the founder of New Beginnings Counseling of Cullman. He specializes in Christian-Based Professional Counseling.
Charlie Thornton has spent more than 24 years caring for others in a variety of healthcare roles—including paramedic, registered nurse, and for the past 10 years, nurse practitioner. He began his training at Wallace State Community College, completed his nursing degree at Jacksonville State University, and went on to earn graduate degrees from the University of South Alabama, where he became board certified as both a Family Nurse Practitioner and an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.
Jeremy Stidham, M.D., is a board-certified internal medicine physician who has been caring for patients in Cullman for more than 15 years. He currently serves as President of Cullman Internal Medicine and the Cullman Physician Alliance, where he works alongside a team of dedicated colleagues to provide compassionate, patient-centered care.
Nathan is a highly experienced Nurse Practitioner with a rich background spanning over two decades in healthcare. For the past ten years, Nathan has been a vital part of the CIM team as a Nurse Practitioner, also serving as a hospitalist nurse practitioner when needed. His extensive foundation was built over 19 years as a critical care registered nurse. Nathan is an alumnus of Wallace State Community College (RN), Jacksonville State College (BSN), and UAB (MSN), holding his nurse practitioner certification from the ANCC.
Dr. Benjamin Rogers obtained a degree in Classical Studies from Hillsdale College before attending medical school at The University of Alabama at Birmingham. He then completed an internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Wake Forest University. He joined Cullman Internal Medicine in 2012.
Morgan McHugh, CRNP, is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a special focus on diabetes management. A native of Hartselle, Alabama, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama in Huntsville.
Dr. Erin Britt is a compassionate physician proudly serving her local community as a hometown provider. Raised in Cullman, Alabama, Dr. Britt graduated from Cullman High School. Her desire to care for others lead to enrollment at the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (ACOM), where she earned her medical degree.
The goal of my practice is to help patients achieve optimal health. Eating a balanced diet, exercising, taking care of our mental health, and achieving quality sleep are all crucial for feeling good and living a healthy, enjoyable life. However, sometimes weight gain and hormone imbalances can get in the way.
Naykala is a Triple Board-Certified physician with over 25yrs of experience, dedicated to delivering comprehensive patient-centered care. Her practice emphasizes a whole-body approach, combining traditional Internal Medicine with advanced training in Obesity Medicine and Medical Acupuncture. She evaluates complex medical conditions with a focus on identifying root causes–especially those contributing to weight gain—and provides thoughtful, integrative treatment plans. Naykala’s 10 years of service in the U.S. Air Force deepened her commitment to non-pharmacologic pain management, and acupuncture has become a meaningful part of how she cares for patients.
Dr Parker grew up in Cullman County and attended West Point High School. His path to medicine was not direct. After high school, He attended Wallace State Community college and received an associates degree in business. Shortly after graduating Brian was married to his wife Karen. Unsure of what to do next he left his job as a butcher for the local Walmart distribution center where he would work for the next 7 years. After reflecting on his goals and desire to help others he decided to pursue medicine.
Dr. Vintson is a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician originally from Cullman. She graduated medical school from Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Auburn, AL, and completed residency training at UAB Family Medicine in Huntsville. Dr. Vintson practices medicine seeing the patient as a whole person, understanding there are many components of one’s life that affects overall health and wellness. She loves seeing a variety of patient ages throughout her day and feels this is what makes family medicine and primary care so special. In addition to routine primary care she especially enjoys women’s health and preventative medicine, including Pap smears and menopause care, as well as diabetes management, nutrition, and mental health care. Dr. Vintson loves the Lord and enjoys time on the lake with her family, fishing, hunting, gardening, and podcasts. She has two young children and a loving husband of 12 years.
Dr. Adam Harrison is proud to serve his hometown of Cullman as a dedicated physician. A local from East Elementary through Cullman High, he earned his Biomedical Sciences degree from Auburn University, completed medical school at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, and his residency at UAB Huntsville Family Medicine. Drawn by the opportunity to give back to his community, Dr. Harrison chose to build his career at Cullman Internal Medicine.