What is an Annual Physical or Preventive Examination?
An annual physical is a comprehensive medical check-up that a person receives once a year to evaluate their overall health and well-being. During an annual physical, a healthcare provider will review the patient's medical history, perform a physical examination, and assess any health risks or conditions that may require further investigation or treatment. The physical examination may include measurements of vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate, as well as an evaluation of the patient's vision, hearing, and overall physical condition.
Who Needs an Annual Physical?
Everyone can benefit from this examination. Health examinations contain custom-tailored screening tests for different age groups and genders.
Depending on the patient's age, sex, and medical history, additional tests or screenings may be recommended, such as blood tests, urine tests, or cancer screenings. The goal of an annual physical is to identify any potential health concerns early on and to provide preventive care to maintain optimal health and well-being.
How Often Do I Need a Wellness Physical?
For most healthy adults, it is generally recommended to receive a wellness physical every one to three years. However, for individuals with chronic health conditions, a history of significant medical problems, or a family history of certain diseases, more frequent check-ups may be necessary. Additionally, individuals who engage in certain activities that may impact their health, such as smoking or heavy drinking, may need more frequent check-ups to monitor for potential health risks.
How Much Does an Annual Wellness Check-Up Cost?
Typically, insurers cover these services at no charge to patients no more than once per year. For self-pay patients, we have a simple all-in-one package. Please check our fee schedule for details.
What Happens During an Annual Physical?
The physician gathers your health history, including:
- Personal medical and surgical history
- Family health history
- Social history focusing on smoking and alcohol
- Behavioral health questionnaire when indicated
The physician will order general screening blood tests, including:
- CBC with differential/platelet
- Comp. metabolic panel
- Thyroid stimulating hormone
- HIV screening for at-risk groups
- Hepatitis C screening for ages 18-79
Breast Cancer Screening:
For women age 40 or with a family history of breast cancer, the doctor will order a screening mammography for early detection of breast cancer.
Bone Strength Check:
For women aged 60+, the doctor will order a screening for osteoporosis with a bone density (DEXA) scan.
Colon Cancer Screening:
Anyone aged 45 and above needs screening for malignant neoplasm of the colon done by either:
- Fecal occult blood (stool test every year)
- Cologuard (stool test every 3 years)
- Colonoscopy (screening procedure using a camera to look in the colon and rectum for any polyps and remove them if seen)
Screening Smokers for Lung Cancer:
Low-dose CT scan of the chest will be ordered for anyone aged 55 to 74 years and currently smoking or has quit within the past 15 years.
Screening for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
One-time screening is recommended for AAA (abdominal aortic aneurysm) in men aged 65-75 who have a history of smoking. Ultrasonography is used to detect AAA. The goal of screening is to identify AAA early, when it is asymptomatic, and to prevent rupture and related complications.
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