An annual physical exam is a routine appointment with your healthcare provider to assess your general health. It’s a regular opportunity to touch base with your doctor, even when you feel perfectly fine. This visit allows for a general overview of your well-being and establishes a health baseline. Here are some things to expect at an annual physical exam:
Evaluate Your Baseline Health
During your physical exam, your provider will record your baseline health indicators. These measurements create a picture of your current health and act as reference points for future visits. If your provider notices changes from previous visits, they can determine if more testing is needed. Here’s what you can expect them to check:
- Blood pressure: High or low readings can prompt further questions or follow-ups. Tracking your blood pressure over time helps identify trends.
- Heart rate: Your provider will check your heart’s rate, rhythm, and strength to get insight into how well it functions.
- Respiration rate: They will count your breaths per minute to assess your breathing patterns.
- Temperature: This quick check helps identify signs of fever or other unusual symptoms.
- Height and weight: These measurements are used to calculate your Body Mass Index, another indicator of potential health risks.
Review Your Medical History
A significant part of your annual physical focuses on your medical history and that of your family. Your provider generally starts by asking about your day-to-day lifestyle, such as what you eat, how much you exercise, and whether you smoke or drink alcohol. The conversation is designed to help you and the provider identify any possible risks or changes that need attention.
You’ll also review your previous illnesses, hospitalizations, and surgeries, as well as any health conditions that are common in your family. Sharing that a close family member was diagnosed with diabetes or certain cancers helps shape your own screening or prevention plans. Chronic conditions, like asthma or high blood pressure, are discussed in detail so your provider knows how you’re managing them.
Your provider should update your medication list with new prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, or supplements. Keeping an accurate record helps prevent harmful drug interactions or duplications. The review may include questions about vaccines, recent travel, or exposures to illnesses. Whether updating a routine allergy or noting a new symptom, all details help your provider get a complete, up-to-date picture of your health.
Complete Health Screenings
Depending on your age, sex, personal risk factors, and medical history, your annual physical may include a range of health screenings. Listening to your heart and lungs with a stethoscope is standard. This helps detect heart murmurs, irregular heartbeats, or breathing difficulties. The provider may also examine your abdomen, pressing gently to feel internal organs and check for tenderness.
Blood tests are common during these visits. A blood draw gives information on cholesterol, blood sugar, thyroid levels, or kidney function. A high cholesterol reading might prompt future dietary conversations, while abnormal blood sugar can be a sign to check for diabetes. Your provider may also recommend screenings such as a mammogram, Pap test, prostate exam, or colonoscopy, based on guidelines and your personal risk factors. These screenings work together to identify conditions early, so action can be taken if needed.
Schedule an Annual Physical Today
An annual physical provides structure and guidance for tracking your health. This visit supports decision-making about lifestyle, screening, and follow-up care. Taking time for your annual physical is a concrete step toward tracking your overall well-being. It keeps your health history up to date and supports early identification of any changes. Schedule your annual physical today.