Annual physical exam

Annual physical exams are an important component of preventive health care. Even if you feel well, you may be due for a doctor’s visit.

At Advocate Health Care, we make it easy to get care. With multiple locations throughout the Chicago metro area and simple scheduling, we offer a range of services when and where you need them.

What is an annual checkup?

An annual checkup is an appointment where your doctor checks your general health. An annual checkup is also called an annual exam, annual physical or yearly physical. They provide preventive screenings and make health recommendations to lower your risk of chronic diseases. Annual exams can help increase the chances that your provider catches a disease in the early stages, when it’s easier to treat.

What providers perform annual exams?

Your primary care provider performs an annual exam. This provider may be a:

• Family medicine physician: These doctors practice primary care for patients of all ages. Your entire family may see a family medicine physician.
• Internal medicine physician: These doctors specialize in primary care for patients ages 18 and older.
• Nurse practitioner: A nurse practitioner (NP) is a specialist with a master’s or doctoral degree. They may serve as primary care providers and can perform your annual exam, diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries, and prescribe medications.
• Physician assistant: A physician assistant (PA) is a provider with a master’s degree or higher. Like NPs, PAs can serve as primary care providers and perform annual exams. They also diagnose and treat injuries and diseases, including prescribing medications.

What to expect during an annual exam

When you arrive for an annual exam, a nurse or medical assistant checks you in and asks if you have any updates to your health history. They’ll typically also measure your height, weight and vital signs. Then, your primary care provider:

• Asks if you have any concerns about your health
• Checks your head, neck, heartbeat and lungs
• Recommends lifestyle or medication changes, if needed

Your provider may also give you vaccinations, order bloodwork and schedule or complete preventive screenings at your annual exam. You may need a follow-up appointment or a referral for specialty care, depending on what your provider finds during the exam.

What should a yearly physical include?

Your yearly physical may be slightly different depending on your provider. But in general, an annual exam typically includes a few key assessments.

General appearance

Your provider can collect a lot of information about your health just by interacting with you. For example, they’ll observe whether you can stand and walk with ease and if you can answer questions clearly and quickly. They may also look at your skin.

Depression screening

Your provider may ask you about your moods, sleeping habits and energy levels. You may also complete a questionnaire that screens for depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions. If you show any signs of depression or anxiety, your provider may offer treatments or direct you to additional resources, such as therapy.

Health history

Your provider asks you questions about your lifestyle, such as how often you exercise, what kind of diet you eat and whether you drink alcohol or smoke. They’ll also check your recent vaccinations and ask if you have any updates to your family history.

Vital signs

Every annual exam involves a check of your vital signs, which includes your:

• Blood pressure: A healthy blood pressure is less than 120/80 mmHg. You may need treatment to lower your blood pressure if your blood pressure is greater than 140/80 mmHg.
• Heart rate: A healthy pulse is typically between 60 and 100 beats per minute. However, many people have a pulse lower than 60 beats per minute and are still in good overall health. A nurse or medical assistant measures your pulse (heart rate) by placing two or three fingers on the inside of your wrist.
• Respiration: Your provider counts how many breaths you take per minute. Between 12 and 16 is considered a healthy range for adults. Taking more than 20 breaths per minute could indicate a lung or heart problem.
• Temperature: Most healthy people have a temperature at or around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Your average temperature may be slightly higher or lower.

Head and neck exam

Your provider looks in your ears, nose and mouth to check for signs of health problems. They usually also feel the lymph nodes in your neck to detect any lumps or pain.

Heart exam

In addition to measuring your heart rate, your provider uses a stethoscope to listen to your heartbeat. This can help detect an irregular heart rhythm, heart murmur or other signs of heart problems.

Is ECG part of an annual physical?

An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) isn’t usually part of your annual physical unless you have a family history or risk factors of heart disease. Your provider is more likely to offer an ECG when you’re older than 65.

Lung exam

Your provider uses a stethoscope to listen to your chest and back as you breathe. Any wheezes or crackles could point to a lung or heart problem.

Why do you need an annual physical exam?

An annual physical exam increases your chances of catching health conditions early, when they’re easier to treat. Seeing your primary care provider each year helps establish a baseline for your health. When you go regularly, your provider can easily spot small health changes that could be the beginnings of disease.

Your primary care provider is trained to spot these early signs of chronic diseases. They can also suggest lifestyle changes to keep you in your best overall health.

What are the benefits of a yearly checkup?

Besides early disease detection, your yearly checkup also provides an important opportunity to build a relationship with your primary care provider. When you do get sick, your primary care provider has a complete picture of your health and can provide you with quick, effective treatment.

Cost of an annual exam

Most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover annual exams with no out-of-pocket costs. Our team can help you find out your out-of-pocket costs if you don’t have insurance. Learn more about pricing and financial assistance.