Who needs an annual exam?

You may have grown up only going to the doctor when you were sick. Or you may have spent several years prioritizing your child’s doctor’s visits and neglecting your own. Whatever the reason, if it’s been more than a year, you’re likely due for your annual physical exam.

Physicals are an important part of preventive care for all adults. At Advocate Health Care, our team of skilled, compassionate primary care providers offers physical exams that help you reach your best health – and stay there.

Why should you get an annual exam?

The most important reason to get an annual physical exam is to check your overall health and to address any health concerns you may have. These physical exams are also a great way to increase your chances of catching a chronic health condition in the early stages. Detecting and diagnosing diseases before you experience major symptoms can increase your chances of effectively treating the disease.

There are other good reasons to have an annual exam, including:

• Addressing any new symptoms or changes to your health
• Asking your provider about how to best optimize your health
• Screening for mental health conditions like anxiety and depression
• Evaluating your family history and risk of developing certain health conditions
• Getting blood drawn to check the levels of certain substances in your blood that could point to health conditions
• Receiving necessary vaccines
• Scheduling follow-up care and preventive screenings

What are common tests and health screenings performed at an annual exam?

Your annual exam will always include a physical exam and a review of your health history. This is a great time to bring up any changes you’re noticing in your everyday health, any changes or updates to your family history, or any concerns you have. Your provider will often ask about your exercise, smoking and drinking habits as well.

Your annual exam can include the following tests and health screenings:

• Measuring your vital signs and blood pressure
• Reviewing your medical history
• Listening to your heart and lungs
• Checking your mouth and ears
• Examining your lymph nodes
• Measuring your height and weight
• Performing a short mental health exam to screen for mental health conditions

Your exam may also include additional items depending on your age, sex and health. This can include breast exams, pelvic exams and prostate exams. Not all primary care providers can administer these exams, though, so your provider might refer you to a specialist if they feel you need additional testing.

Depending on how you exam goes, your provider might also have you take a blood test to check your cholesterol levels (lipid panel) and blood sugar levels. These blood tests can also include a complete blood count (CBC) to screen for anemia, general infections or even certain cancers.

Do you need an annual physical exam?

You and your provider should discuss whether you need a physical exam every year. Most people should get an annual physical exam.

However, if you’re in good health and under age 40, your provider may recommend switching from an annual exam to an exam every two years. Older adults or those with chronic health conditions may need a physical exam more than once a year. Your provider can recommend how often you need a physical exam based on your family history, general health and risk factors.

At what age should children have annual exams?

Children usually have frequent doctor’s visits up until age 3. After age 3, your child can usually start seeing the doctor once a year.

How do annual exams change as you get older?

What to expect during your annual exam changes slightly as you get older. Every annual visit involves a physical exam, a health history check and taking your vital signs (measurements of your body’s basic functions).

Your annual physical exam will be tailored to your needs and will change depending on how old you are and how frequently health screenings and vaccinations are needed. For example, most people get a cholesterol check every four to six years and a shingles vaccine covers you for at least seven years.

Here are a few things you can expect to experience over time as part of your annual exam:

• Ages 20 to 39: It might be time for a lipid panel and for vaccines such as the annual flu shot or a tetanus booster. You may also need a COVID vaccine. During a female physical exam, you may also get a Pap smear or other cervical cancer screenings.
• Ages 40 to 49: When you reach age 40, your provider will review your risk factors to determine your overall risk of heart disease and stroke. You may need other types of heart screenings, depending on your risk. When you reach age 45, you’ll likely need to start colon cancer screenings and mammograms.
• Ages 50 to 65: Your provider may recommend diabetes checks, especially if your body mass index (BMI) falls into the overweight or obese categories. During a male physical exam, you should begin asking about prostate cancer screenings after age 50. African American men may ask about screenings earlier due to increased risk. Your doctor will likely also advise getting the shingles vaccine during this period.
• Ages 65 and older: Postmenopausal females should start bone density screenings at age 65. Everybody should have regular bone density screenings after age 70. Your provider may ask you about your memory and mental health. You also may need a pneumococcal vaccine or other vaccinations.