Why the Annual Physical Still Matters
In an era of urgent care clinics and telehealth visits, some patients wonder whether the annual physical is still necessary. The answer from the medical community is a resounding yes. Your yearly exam is not just about checking boxes. It is a dedicated opportunity for your doctor to evaluate your overall health, catch problems early, and build a relationship that makes every future visit more effective.
At Zimmer Medical Group, we view the annual physical as the foundation of preventive care. Here is what you can expect and how to arrive prepared.
What Happens During an Annual Physical
Every provider structures the visit slightly differently, but most annual physicals include these core components:
Vital Signs and Measurements
Your visit will begin with measurements of your blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, height, and weight. These numbers establish your baseline and help your doctor identify trends over time. A gradual increase in blood pressure over several years, for instance, may prompt earlier intervention than a single elevated reading.
Head-to-Toe Examination
Your doctor will systematically examine your body, including your eyes, ears, nose, throat, neck, heart, lungs, abdomen, skin, and extremities. This hands-on assessment can reveal conditions you may not have noticed, such as an irregular heart rhythm, an enlarged thyroid, or a suspicious skin lesion.
Medical History Review
Expect your doctor to ask about any new symptoms, changes in your health since your last visit, family medical history updates, current medications, supplements, and lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, alcohol use, and tobacco use. Being honest and thorough during this conversation is one of the most valuable things you can do for your health.
Screening Tests and Lab Work
Depending on your age, sex, risk factors, and medical history, your doctor may order blood work such as a complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic panel, lipid panel, thyroid function tests, or hemoglobin A1C. Cancer screenings, bone density tests, and other age-appropriate evaluations may also be recommended.
The United States Preventive Services Task Force provides evidence-based guidelines for which screenings are recommended at each age, and your doctor will tailor these to your individual situation.
How to Prepare for Your Visit
Getting the most out of a 20 to 30 minute appointment requires a bit of preparation:
1. Write Down Your Questions
It is easy to forget concerns when you are sitting in the exam room. Keep a running list on your phone throughout the year and bring it to your appointment. No question is too small. If something has been worrying you, your annual physical is the time to bring it up.
2. Update Your Medication List
Bring a complete list of every prescription medication, over-the-counter drug, vitamin, and supplement you take, including dosages and frequency. Your doctor needs this information to check for interactions and ensure your medications are still appropriate.
3. Know Your Family History
If a close family member has been diagnosed with a new condition since your last visit, let your doctor know. Family history of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and autoimmune conditions can change your screening recommendations.
4. Bring Your Insurance Card and Previous Records
If you are a new patient or have changed providers, bring any relevant medical records, imaging results, or specialist reports. This helps your new care team avoid repeating unnecessary tests.
5. Wear Comfortable Clothing
You will likely need to change into a gown for portions of the exam. Wearing simple, easy-to-remove clothing makes the process smoother for everyone.
What Your Doctor Is Really Looking For
Beyond the obvious checks, your annual physical is an opportunity for your doctor to assess your overall trajectory. Are your cholesterol numbers trending upward? Has your weight changed significantly? Are there early signs of depression or cognitive changes? These subtle patterns often reveal more than any single test result.
Your doctor is also evaluating your preventive care status. Are you up to date on vaccinations? Have you completed recommended cancer screenings? Are you due for a colonoscopy, mammogram, or skin check? The annual physical ensures nothing falls through the cracks.
After Your Visit
Once your lab results are available, your doctor will review them and contact you with any findings that require follow-up. At Zimmer Medical Group, we encourage patients to request copies of their lab work so they can track their own numbers over time.
If your results are normal, your next step is simple: schedule next year's appointment before you leave. Keeping a consistent annual schedule makes it easier to spot changes early.
According to the American Medical Association, patients who maintain regular preventive visits have better health outcomes and lower lifetime healthcare costs than those who only seek care when symptoms arise.
Ready to schedule your annual physical? Contact Zimmer Medical Group to book an appointment. Our team is here to help you stay ahead of your health.
