Seeing your primary care provider for an annual physical exam is an important step in protecting your health. Regular preventive checkups give your provider a chance to identify health issues you may have before they become serious, when they’re easier to treat. Keeping a few simple tips in mind—and following our physical exam checklist for adults—can help you get the most from your exam.
Benefits of a physical exam
While it may seem like a waste of time to go to the doctor when you don’t feel sick, an annual physical exam allows your provider to establish baselines of your current health.
In addition to giving you a chance to talk about medical concerns, discuss emotional issues, and ask questions, routine exams help you build a relationship with your physician—and that’s important because your primary care provider is a partner in your long-term health.
Your provider is trained to identify symptoms of conditions like diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and depression. And catching diseases early can lead to more successful treatment. Your provider can also recommend diet and lifestyle changes to help keep you healthy.
How to prepare for your annual physical
Under the Affordable Care Act, health insurance covers recommended in-network preventive care, including an annual physical exam, but be sure to review your policy before your appointment. If you have questions, call the customer service number on your ID card.
Complete any medical forms the clinic sends you before your appointment and wear comfortable clothing you can easily change out of if you need to put on a medical gown.
To verify your insurance, bring your health insurance card and photo identification, such as your driver’s license, passport, or government ID.
Some diet and lifestyle factors could affect blood test results, so your provider may ask you not to eat or drink anything, including alcohol, for eight to 12 hours before your exam. Also, avoid drinking caffeine within an hour of your visit.
Your annual exam checklist
Everyone is different, so what happens at your physical exam will depend on your age, gender, and health history. Gathering key pieces of information before your appointment can improve the experience for you and your healthcare team.
- Update your health history.
- Bring a list of medications you take.
- Know what to expect during your physical exam.
- Testicular exam
- Prostate exam
- Hernia exam
- Colorectal cancer screening
- Pap test and pelvic exam for cervical cancer
- Mammogram screening for breast cancer
- Write your questions down ahead of time.
If anything has changed since your last physical—if you got a vaccine or a flu shot, received a new diagnosis, or had surgery—share this information with your doctor. It’s also important to report any major illnesses or accidents you’ve experienced and to list any allergies you have.
Some diseases run in the family, so be sure to tell your provider about changes in your family health history. For example, let your doctor know if a parent, sibling, grandparent, or child was recently diagnosed with a chronic condition.
To better understand your mental health status, your provider may ask questions about symptoms of anxiety or depression you have experienced lately.
Your provider may ask about your exercise habits, sexual practices, and whether you smoke or drink alcohol. It’s important to be honest and tell the truth. No one is here to judge you. If you’re ready to quit tobacco, your doctor can recommend resources and help you create a tobacco cessation plan.
Your doctor needs to know what medications you take. This includes prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements. Write down the names, doses, and how often you take each medicine. If you’re short on time, take a photo of the labels and share the images with your provider.
If you use a medical device, such as a CPAP machine, add it to your list.
Your provider will check your height and weight, review your organ systems, and perform a basic examination of your body.
Vital signs. A nurse will take your temperature, check your heart rate, and measure your blood pressure—and compare your numbers to recommended standards and ranges.
High blood pressure raises your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other conditions, but there are steps you can take to lower your blood pressure without medication.
Heart and lungs. A stethoscope allows your doctor to listen to the rhythm of your heart and breathing. Irregular heart rhythms and abnormal breathing may be symptoms of an underlying condition.
Head and neck. Your doctor may place a depressor on your tongue, ask you to say “ah,” and look inside your mouth and throat to check for anomalies. To examine your lymph nodes, your doctor will gently press on parts of your head and neck.
Reflexes. Testing your reflexes by gently tapping different joints with a small mallet ensures that your nervous system is functioning properly.
Blood test. Monitoring your cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar levels over time—and comparing your numbers to recommended standards—allows your healthcare team to assess your risk for heart disease, stroke, and other conditions.
Vaccines. An annual physical is the perfect time to make sure you’re up to date on vaccines, including your annual flu shot.
Exams and screenings. Depending on your age, gender, and risk factors, your doctor may perform additional exams or refer you to a specialist for a preventive screening:
You may also be screened for diabetes, hearing loss, or osteoporosis.
To get the most out of an annual exam, come prepared with a list of questions to discuss during your visit. If you’ve been experiencing any symptoms or have specific concerns, write this information down. This is also a great opportunity to talk about your goals for healthy living.
It’s easy to forget what you want to discuss on the day of your appointment, so create a list on your smartphone or on paper. Consult the list during your appointment to make sure you remember to ask your most important questions.
If your provider orders blood tests or lab work, ask why you need the test and what the results may show. If you don’t understand the answer, ask follow-up questions.
Asking questions is a key part of taking charge of your health. These discussions help you develop a strong relationship with your provider.
If you need help remembering what questions to ask or remembering your provider’s recommendations, bring your spouse, a family member, or a trusted friend to your appointment. If language is an issue, ask whether the clinic offers interpreters.
Why it’s important to provide honest answers during your physical exam
During your annual physical, it’s important to answer all questions honestly and provide accurate information. If this makes you feel uncomfortable, talk to your provider about your concerns. Your relationship with your primary care doctor is strictly confidential. Your honesty during a physical exam will allow your entire healthcare team to identify risk factors for certain conditions, prescribe proper treatments, and protect your long-term health.
What happens after a physical exam
Your doctor may call you after a physical with follow-up steps or to order additional tests.
Many practices have an online portal where you can set up an account to access your exam notes and the results of your lab work and blood tests. If you have any questions, you can message your doctor through the portal.
Schedule your annual physical exam today
Regular check-ups with your primary care physician are a core part of preventive healthcare. In addition to assessing your overall physical and mental health, these exams allow your doctor to review current medical conditions, recommend diet and lifestyle changes to protect your well-being, review and refill medications, and administer any needed vaccinations.
Source
Cleveland Clinic, Here’s What Happens at a Yearly Check-Up