What's included in an annual physical exam?

September 30, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, regular health check-ups, like an annual physical, are essential for maintaining your well-being and catching potential problems early. This preventative visit, which focuses on your overall health, includes a range of assessments and screenings designed to create a comprehensive picture of your health.

Quick Summary

An annual physical exam evaluates overall health through a comprehensive review of medical history, vital signs, and a hands-on physical assessment, alongside preventative screenings and lab tests tailored to your age and health profile.

Key Points

Vital Signs and Measurements: Your doctor will check your blood pressure, heart rate, respiration rate, and calculate your BMI to establish a health baseline.
Thorough Physical Assessment: The exam includes a head-to-toe assessment of your body systems, from listening to your heart and lungs to palpating your abdomen.
Personalized Screenings: Lab tests for cholesterol and glucose, as well as gender- and age-specific cancer screenings, are tailored to your individual risk factors.
Health History Review: A discussion about your medical and family history, lifestyle, and medications helps your doctor create a comprehensive health profile.
Counseling and Prevention: The visit concludes with personalized health advice, an immunization review, and an action plan to help you maintain or improve your health.
Early Detection: The primary purpose of an annual physical is to detect chronic conditions early, often before symptoms appear, when they are easier to treat.

An annual physical exam is a cornerstone of preventative healthcare, serving as a proactive measure to monitor your well-being and detect health issues before they become serious. Unlike a visit for a specific illness, this yearly appointment with a primary care provider covers a broad range of assessments. The exact components can vary based on your age, sex, personal health history, and risk factors.

Initial Assessment and Health History Review

Your annual physical begins with a foundational discussion and a check of your basic health metrics. This stage is critical for providing your doctor with the information needed to personalize the rest of the exam.

Your Health History

Your doctor will review your medical records and discuss recent changes since your last visit. Key topics include updates to your personal and family medical history, current medications and supplements, and lifestyle factors like diet and exercise. A brief mental health screening is also often included.

Vital Signs and Basic Measurements

Basic measurements like height, weight (used for BMI calculation), blood pressure, heart rate, respiration rate, and temperature are taken to establish a baseline and track health over time. These are important indicators of potential health issues.

The Hands-On Physical Examination

The physical examination involves your doctor using observation and touch to assess different body systems. This typically includes examining the head and neck, listening to the heart and lungs with a stethoscope, palpating the abdomen, and conducting a neurological assessment and dermatological exam.

Laboratory Tests and Specialized Screenings

Lab tests and screenings help identify conditions without visible symptoms and are customized based on individual factors.

Common Lab Tests

Blood tests such as a complete blood count (CBC), lipid panel (cholesterol and triglycerides), and glucose test are common. A urinalysis may also be performed.

Gender- and Age-Specific Screenings

Recommendations for screenings vary. Women may have clinical breast exams, Pap smears, and mammograms, while men may have testicular exams and discussions about prostate cancer screening. Colon cancer screenings are typically recommended starting around age 45-50, and osteoporosis screening may be suggested for older adults.

Counseling and Follow-Up

This part of the visit involves discussing the exam findings and receiving personalized health guidance.

Personalized Health Advice

Guidance often includes recommendations on diet, exercise, stress management, and managing chronic conditions, tailored to your lifestyle and risk factors.

Immunization Review

The physical is a good time to review and update vaccinations, such as flu shots or tetanus boosters.

Creating an Action Plan

Your doctor will outline next steps, including potential follow-up tests, specialist referrals, or setting health goals.

Annual Physical Exam vs. Wellness Visit

Understanding the difference between a comprehensive physical and a wellness visit is important, as their scope and insurance coverage can vary.


Feature	Annual Physical Exam	Annual Wellness Visit (Medicare)
Focus	Comprehensive head-to-toe physical assessment; proactive screening and detection.	Proactive prevention plan; health risk assessment and personalized advice.
Physical Examination	Hands-on exam of body systems (heart, lungs, abdomen, reflexes).	Very limited or no hands-on physical exam; focuses on health risk factors.
Lab Tests	Includes blood and urine tests for cholesterol, glucose, CBC, etc..	Does not typically include lab tests unless required for prevention.
Symptom Discussion	Appropriate time to discuss specific symptoms or ongoing issues.	Designed for general wellness; specific health complaints may require a separate visit.
Insurance Coverage	Coverage varies by plan; may involve copays or deductibles.	Covered by Medicare Part B; no cost if basic criteria are met.

Conclusion

An annual physical exam is a vital component of preventative care, offering a comprehensive assessment of your health to establish a baseline and identify potential issues early. By reviewing your history, performing a physical, and conducting tailored screenings, your doctor can help you stay informed and proactive about your well-being. Prioritizing this yearly visit is an investment in your long-term health. For more information on preventative care, visit the Cleveland Clinic website.

Frequently Asked Questions

An annual physical exam includes a hands-on physical assessment and diagnostic tests, while a Medicare annual wellness visit focuses primarily on a health risk assessment and creating a personalized prevention plan, with very limited physical examination.

You may need to fast if your physical includes blood work, such as a fasting blood glucose or lipid panel. Your doctor's office will provide specific instructions regarding food and drink restrictions before your appointment.

It is helpful to bring a list of your current medications and supplements, updates to your family medical history, any recent test results, and a list of questions or concerns you want to discuss with your doctor.

While many adults get a physical annually, your doctor's recommendation may vary. Some healthy adults under 40 may be advised to get a physical every other year, while older adults or those with chronic conditions may need more frequent visits.

An electrocardiogram (EKG) is not typically part of a standard annual physical unless you have specific risk factors or a family history of heart disease. Your doctor is more likely to recommend an EKG for older adults or if there is a concern about heart health.

Standard lab tests often include a blood panel to check for cholesterol levels (lipid panel), blood sugar (glucose), and a complete blood count (CBC). A urinalysis may also be performed.

Questions about your lifestyle, such as diet, exercise, and habits like smoking or alcohol use, are crucial for your doctor to assess your risk factors and provide tailored, effective health advice.