What Happens During an Annual Physical?

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.

Step 1: Review of Your Health History

Your visit usually begins with a detailed discussion of your medical history.

What this includes:

• 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)

Why this matters

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.

Common vital signs include:

• 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.

Step 3: Head‑to‑Toe Physical Examination

Your physician performs a focused physical exam based on your age, sex, and health history.

What typically happens:

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.

Step 4: Preventive Screenings & Recommended Tests

One of the most important parts of an annual physical is preventive screening.

Common blood tests may include:

• 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.

Step 5: Age‑ and Gender‑Specific Preventive Care

Your physician also reviews preventive care guidelines such as:

Examples:

• 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.

Step 6: Lifestyle Counseling & Questions

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.

Final Thoughts

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.