An easy-to-understand guide to your yearly checkup, written from a primary care perspective and designed to help patients feel informed and confident.
Author: Suja Shenoy, MD
Board-Certified in Internal Medicine
Primary Care Physician | Shenoy Primary Care | Midland, Michigan
Related Services: Preventive Care | Diabetes Management | Women’s Health
Sources & Medical Guidance: Educational content informed by preventive care guidance from Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, and University of Michigan Health. Medical recommendations summarized and simplified for patient education purposes.
Medically reviewed by: Suja Shenoy, MD
Board-Certified in Internal Medicine
Primary Care Physician | Shenoy Primary Care | Midland, Michigan
An annual physical exam is a preventive health visit with your primary care physician. Its purpose is not just to look for illness, but to keep you healthy, identify risks early, and build a long‑term care plan tailored to you.
Major medical organizations including Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, and the University of Michigan Health System emphasize that regular checkups help detect conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disorders, heart disease, and certain cancers before symptoms appear.
Think of your annual physical as maintenance for your body, similar to servicing your car before a warning light comes on.
Your visit usually begins with a detailed discussion of your medical history.
Past medical conditions or surgeries
Chronic conditions (diabetes, thyroid disease, asthma, high blood pressure)
Current medications and supplements
Allergies to medications
Family medical history
Lifestyle factors (diet, exercise, sleep, stress, tobacco, alcohol)
Family history and lifestyle are powerful predictors of disease. According to Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic guidance, understanding these factors helps your physician individualize screening and prevention plans.
Plain‑language note:
Chronic condition = a health issue that lasts a long time, such as diabetes or hypertension.
Step 2: VITAL SIGNS CHECK
Vital signs provide quick information about how your body is functioning at rest.
Blood pressure – measures the force of blood against artery walls
Heart rate (pulse) – number of heartbeats per minute
Respiratory rate – number of breaths per minute
Temperature – screens for infection or inflammation
Body Mass Index (BMI) – a screening tool based on height and weight
High blood pressure often has no symptoms, which is why organizations like Cleveland Clinic stress regular monitoring during routine visits.
Your physician performs a focused physical exam based on your age, sex, and health history.
Heart & Lungs
Listening with a stethoscope for abnormal sounds
Checking heart rhythm and lung airflow
Explanation: A stethoscope helps detect murmurs or breathing problems that may not cause symptoms yet.
Abdomen
Gentle pressure to check organs such as liver, stomach, and intestines
Explanation: This helps identify tenderness, swelling, or organ enlargement.
Thyroid & Lymph Nodes
Feeling the neck for thyroid enlargement or lymph node swelling
Explanation: The thyroid controls metabolism, energy, and weight regulation.
Skin
Screening moles or new lesions
According to University of Michigan Health, regular skin checks can help identify early signs of skin cancer.
One of the most important parts of an annual physical is preventive screening.
Complete blood count (CBC): screens for anemia and infection
Comprehensive metabolic panel: evaluates electrolytes, liver, and kidney functions
Cholesterol panel: evaluates heart-disease risk
Blood sugar (glucose or A1c): screens for diabetes or pre-diabetes
Thyroid function tests: especially in reproductive age-group women
Comprehensive metabolic panel: evaluates electrolytes, liver, and kidney functions
The Mayo Clinic emphasizes that these tests are risk‑based, meaning not everyone needs every test each year.
Your physician also reviews preventive care guidelines such as:
Blood pressure screening (all adults)
Diabetes screening
Cholesterol checks
Cancer screening discussions (breast, colon, cervical, lung, prostate)
Bone health discussions
Vaccination review (flu, COVID, shingles, pneumonia)
The University of Michigan and Cleveland Clinic both stress shared decision‑making, meaning recommendations are tailored to you. It's not one‑size‑fits‑all approach.
This is your opportunity to ask questions and discuss concerns such as:
Sleep problems
Stress or mental health
Exercise and nutrition guidance
Many patients use annual physicals as a safe space to discuss concerns they have been putting off.
Annual physical exams are a cornerstone of long‑term health. Leading institutions such as Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, and the University of Michigan agree that preventive care improves outcomes, reduces complications, and strengthens the patient‑physician relationship. By attending your yearly checkup, you are investing in early detection, disease prevention, and personalized care.
✅ Bring a list of medications and supplements
✅ Know your family health history, if possible
✅ Bring insurance information
✅ Please bring at least one form of government-issued identification (driver’s license or passport).
✅ Write down questions beforehand
✅ Fast if instructed for blood work
What is an annual physical exam?
An annual physical exam is a preventive visit with a primary care physician focused on monitoring overall health, detecting disease early, and updating recommended screenings and vaccinations.
Is an annual physical the same as a sick visit?
No. An annual physical focuses on prevention and long-term health planning, while a sick visit addresses a specific health concern.
Do I need blood work every year?
Not everyone needs labs every year. Testing is personalized based on age, medical history, family history, and risk factors.
Does insurance cover annual physical exams?
Most insurance plans cover preventive annual physicals, but coverage details can vary. It’s best to check with your insurer.
How long does an annual physical take?
Most visits last 30 to 60 minutes, depending on medical complexity.
Do I need to fast before my appointment?
Fasting may be required if certain blood tests are planned. Our office will provide instructions, if needed.
This educational content reflects preventive care guidance supported by Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, and the University of Michigan Health System.
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