Annual Physical Exam and Annual Wellness Visit
Your annual physical exam or annual checkup is a simple way to stay healthy. It’s a dedicated time to check in with your primary care provider, ask questions and plan for the year ahead. Whether you’re feeling great or managing ongoing concerns, an annual physical exam helps catch potential issues early and supports your long term well being.
What is an annual wellness visit?
An annual wellness visit, often called an annual physical exam or annual checkup, is a yearly preventive care appointment with your primary care provider.
Understanding Preventive Care Visits
Not all yearly checkups are the same. Your primary care provider may recommend different types of visits based on your age, health needs and insurance coverage.
- Annual physical exam: A hands-on checkup that may include an exam, vitals and lab work.
- Annual wellness visit: A preventive visit focused on your health history and future care planning.
- Medicare Annual Wellness Visit: A Medicare-covered preventive visit focused on risk assessment and planning. It does not include a physical exam or lab work.
How often should I get a physical?
It’s best to schedule an annual physical exam once a year. However, how often you should get a physical depends on your age, health history and current needs.
Your primary care provider can help you decide what schedule is right for you.
What happens at a physical?
Most annual wellness visits take 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your health needs and questions.
Your annual wellness visit may include:
- Review of your medical and family history
- Vital signs, such as blood pressure and heart rate
- Review of medications, supplements and allergies
- Discussion about lifestyle habits like sleep, stress, nutrition and physical activity
- A physical exam focused on key body systems
- Planning for screenings, vaccines or follow‑up care
Some physicals include lab tests. Your provider may order blood work based on your age, health history or risk factors. Labs may be completed during your visit or scheduled separately.
Annual physical exam checklist by age
- Age 18-39: Preventive care basics, mental well‑being, blood pressure, family history and healthy habits
- Age 40-49: Heart health, stress and sleep, lifestyle risks and screening planning
- Age 50-64: Preventive screenings, medication review, bone and joint health
Age 65+: Safety and independence, fall prevention, memory concerns and medication management. If you are enrolled in Medicare, your preventive visit may be a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit.
What happens at a physical for a woman
Your provider may talk with you about:
- Menstrual or menopause changes
- Breast health concerns
- Pelvic or urinary symptoms
- Reproductive health questions
What do they do at a physical for a man
Your provider may talk with you about:
- Heart health and risk factors
- Sleep and fatigue
- Urinary symptoms
- Sexual health questions, if you choose
Questions Your Provider May Ask
Your provider may ask questions. These help them understand your daily life and identify factors that affect your health.
Here are 10 questions doctors may ask you at your physical exam:
- What concerns do you want to talk about today?
- Have you noticed any new symptoms?
- What medications or supplements do you take?
- How are you sleeping?
- How would you rate your stress?
- What does your diet look like most days?
- How active are you during the week?
- Do you use tobacco, alcohol or other substances?
- Do you feel safe at home?
- Do you have trouble accessing food, housing or transportation?
Preparing for Your Visit
Getting ready ahead of time helps you make the most of your annual checkup.
Bring with you:
- A list of medications and supplements
- Recent home health readings, if you track them
- Your insurance card and ID
- A list of questions or concerns
Before your visit:
- Write down symptoms or changes you’ve noticed
- Ask if you need to fast for lab work
If you have OSF MyChart, you may be able to complete eCheck‑in before your appointment to save time. Learn how to use eCheck‑in.
On Medicare? Your Wellness Visit Works Differently
Most annual physical exams include a hands-on assessment and may include lab work or preventive screenings. Medicare Annual Wellness Visits focus on preventive planning and health risk assessments. Medicare covers an annual wellness visit once every 12 months at no cost. It does not include a hands-on exam or lab work.
Schedule Your Physical
If you have a primary care provider, call their office or use OSF MyChart to schedule your annual physical or wellness visit. Need a provider? Browse care options near you.