The annual physical examination—sometimes called the annual wellness visit—has been a cornerstone of preventive medicine for decades. Yet despite its ubiquity, many people approach their yearly checkup unprepared, missing opportunities to address health concerns, understand their risk factors, and establish productive relationships with their healthcare providers. A well-prepared annual checkup can catch problems early, update vaccinations, review medications, and set health goals for the coming year.
The content of your checkup should be personalized based on your age, sex, medical history, family history, and risk factors. What follows is a comprehensive overview of what most annual checkups include and how to prepare to get the maximum benefit from your visit.
Before Your Visit: Preparation Is Key
Arriving prepared helps you get more from your limited time with your provider. Gather information about your personal medical history—including surgeries, hospitalizations, and previous diagnoses—as well as your family health history. Write down any symptoms you've experienced, questions you want to ask, and concerns you want to raise. Bring a list of all medications and supplements you currently take, including doses.
If you've been monitoring health metrics at home—such as blood pressure readings, blood sugar measurements, or weight—bring those records. Note any changes you've noticed since your last visit: sleep quality, energy levels, mood, sexual function, cognitive changes. Even seemingly minor symptoms can provide important diagnostic clues when viewed in the context of your overall health picture.
What to Expect During the Visit
Vital Signs
Your visit typically begins with vital sign measurement: blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, height, and weight. These measurements establish baseline values and can reveal important changes from previous visits. Blood pressure elevation may indicate hypertension, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Weight changes—either gain or loss—may warrant discussion of nutrition, activity, or underlying health conditions.
Physical Examination
The physical examination includes inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation (listening with a stethoscope) of various body systems. Your provider will examine your skin for suspicious moles or lesions, listen to your heart and lungs, palpate your abdomen, check your reflexes and muscle strength, examine your ears, nose, and throat, and may perform a digital rectal examination or other age and sex-appropriate examinations.
While many parts of the physical exam have limited diagnostic utility in asymptomatic individuals, some findings can be clinically significant. Your provider's training allows them to recognize subtle abnormalities that might indicate underlying disease. If something concerns you, ask your provider to explain what they're finding and why it matters—or doesn't.
The most important part of your checkup isn't what your provider does to you—it's the conversation you have together. Come with questions, concerns, and curiosities to make the most of this time.
Laboratory Tests and Screenings
Depending on your age, sex, and risk factors, your provider may order laboratory tests. Common tests include a complete blood count to evaluate for anemia and infection; a comprehensive metabolic panel assessing blood sugar, electrolytes, and kidney and liver function; a lipid panel measuring cholesterol and triglycerides; and a urinalysis screening for kidney disease and other abnormalities.
Age and risk-appropriate cancer screenings may be performed or ordered during your visit: mammogram for breast cancer, colonoscopy or stool tests for colorectal cancer, Pap smear and HPV testing for cervical cancer, and PSA testing for prostate cancer in men who choose it. These screenings should be discussed with your provider to determine the appropriate schedule based on your individual risk profile.
Vaccination Review
Your provider should review your vaccination history and administer any indicated immunizations. For adults, this typically includes annual flu shots, tetanus boosters every 10 years, shingles vaccine for those over 50, pneumonia vaccines for older adults or those with certain medical conditions, and COVID-19 vaccination per current recommendations. Additional vaccines may be recommended based on travel plans, occupational risks, or other factors.
Medication Review
Your provider will review all medications you're taking—both prescription and over-the-counter—to evaluate for interactions, side effects, and continued appropriateness. Bring an updated medication list to every visit. If you're experiencing side effects or have concerns about your medications, this is the time to raise them. Medication management is an ongoing conversation, not a one-time decision.
Risk Assessment and Counseling
Preventive care includes assessing your risk for various conditions and providing counseling on modifiable risk factors. Your provider may discuss diet, exercise, smoking cessation, alcohol use, stress management, and other lifestyle factors relevant to your health profile. These conversations are opportunities to get personalized advice based on your individual circumstances.
Questions to Ask Your Provider
- Based on my age and history, what screenings do you recommend this year?
- Are there any changes I should make to my current medications?
- Given my family history, should I be concerned about any specific conditions?
- What vaccinations do I need at this visit?
- Based on my current health status, what should I prioritize in the coming year?
- Is there anything in my symptoms or lab results that warrants follow-up?