Your Annual Physical Exam: What to Expect
A complete guide to preventive checkups, recommended screenings, and how to prepare
1 in 3Americans skip annual checkups
Last reviewed: April 2026
An annual physical exam is one of the most important things you can do for your health. It gives your doctor a chance to catch problems early, update your vaccinations, and review your overall wellness before symptoms develop.
Many serious conditions, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and certain cancers, can be detected through routine screening long before you feel sick. Preventive care saves lives and often saves money by avoiding expensive emergency treatment down the road.
In Arizona, where outdoor lifestyles and extreme heat create unique health considerations, staying current with your checkups is especially valuable. Whether you are new to the state or have lived here for decades, an annual visit with your family medicine provider is worth the time.
What Happens During an Annual Physical
Your provider will review your medical history, current medications, and any symptoms or concerns. They will check your vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and weight. A basic physical examination covers your heart, lungs, abdomen, skin, and reflexes.
The visit is also a chance to discuss your mental health, sleep, diet, exercise habits, and any life changes. Think of it as a full status check, not just a quick look for problems.
Prevention Catches What You Cannot Feel
Many of the conditions that cause the most harm, such as hypertension, high cholesterol, prediabetes, and early-stage cancer, produce no noticeable symptoms in their early stages. A routine physical with appropriate lab work is often the only way to find them before they become serious.
Recommended Screenings by Age
The specific tests your provider orders will depend on your age, sex, family history, and risk factors. Here are general guidelines based on U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations.
Ages 18-39: Blood pressure check at every visit. Cholesterol screening starting at age 20 if you have risk factors, otherwise by 35 for men and 45 for women. Depression screening. STI screening based on risk. Skin check if you have significant sun exposure (common in Arizona).
Ages 40-64: All of the above, plus diabetes screening every 3 years starting at age 35 (or earlier with risk factors). Colorectal cancer screening starting at age 45. Mammograms for women starting at age 40 or 50 depending on risk and provider recommendation. Lung cancer screening for heavy smokers ages 50-80.
Ages 65 and older: All of the above, plus bone density screening for women. Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening for men who have ever smoked. Annual flu and pneumonia vaccinations. Fall risk assessment.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
- Photo ID and insurance card
- A list of all current medications, vitamins, and supplements
- Any recent lab results or records from other providers
- A written list of symptoms or concerns you want to discuss
- Your family medical history (especially heart disease, cancer, and diabetes)
- A list of questions for your provider
How to Prepare the Day Before
If your provider ordered fasting blood work, stop eating 9-12 hours before your appointment. Drink water freely. Wear comfortable clothing that is easy to change out of. Write down any questions or concerns so you do not forget them during the visit.
Bring a list of all medications, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements. If you use a pharmacy app or keep a medication list on your phone, that works too.
Making the Most of Your Visit
Be honest with your provider. They are not there to judge you. If you smoke, drink more than you would like, have been feeling anxious or depressed, or have skipped medications, say so. Your provider can only help with what they know about.
Ask questions. If your provider mentions a test or result you do not understand, ask them to explain it. You have the right to understand your own health care.
Arizona-Specific Health Topics to Discuss
Living in Arizona brings specific health considerations worth raising at your annual visit. Sun exposure and skin cancer risk are higher here than in most states. Valley fever (coccidioidomycosis) is endemic to the desert Southwest and can cause persistent respiratory symptoms. Heat-related illness is a real danger during summer months, especially for older adults and outdoor workers.
Ask your provider about skin cancer screening, valley fever awareness, and heat safety strategies tailored to your activity level and neighborhood.
When to See a Doctor Before Your Annual Visit
Do not wait for your scheduled physical if you experience unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, chest pain, shortness of breath, blood in your stool or urine, a new lump, or any symptom that disrupts your daily life. These warrant a prompt visit, not a 12-month wait.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
Under the Affordable Care Act, most insurance plans cover an annual preventive visit at no cost to you, with no copay or deductible. This includes the exam itself and many recommended screenings. However, if your provider diagnoses a new condition during the visit or orders tests beyond standard preventive care, those may be billed separately. Ask your insurance company or your provider's office if you have questions about coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an annual physical take?
A typical annual physical takes 20-40 minutes, though your first visit with a new provider may take longer. If you have blood work ordered, arrive early to allow time for the draw.
I feel fine. Do I really need an annual physical?
Yes. Many serious conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and early-stage cancer, cause no symptoms in their early stages. Routine screening is the only way to catch them early when treatment is most effective.
Can I do my annual physical via telehealth?
Parts of the visit, such as reviewing your history and discussing concerns, can happen via telehealth. However, the physical examination, vital signs, and blood work require an in-person visit. Many Arizona providers offer hybrid options.
What is the difference between an annual physical and a sick visit?
An annual physical is preventive. It focuses on screening, vaccinations, and wellness. A sick visit addresses a specific symptom or illness. Insurance covers them differently, so it is worth scheduling them as separate appointments.
At what age should I start getting annual physicals?
The AAFP recommends that adults begin regular preventive visits at age 18. Children and adolescents should have well-child visits on a separate schedule recommended by their pediatrician.