Who needs an annual exam?

Has it been more than a year since you’ve been to your primary care provider? 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 exam.

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

Why should you have an annual exam?

An annual exam is a visit where your provider checks your overall health, even if you feel fine. The most important reason to have an annual exam is to increase the 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
• 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

Do you need a physical every year?

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

However, if you’re in good health and under age 40, your provider may recommend getting a physical 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 three. After age three, 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 exam will be tailored to your needs and will change depending on how old you are and how frequently each screening and vaccination is 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 cholesterol check and for vaccines such as the annual flu shot or a tetanus booster. You may also need a COVID vaccine, depending on when you received your last booster. During a female physical exam, you may also get a Pap smear or other cervical cancer screening.
• 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 screening after age 50. African American men may ask about screening 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.