An annual physical, sometimes called a checkup or wellness visit, is a visit for when you feel fine. That's the point. High blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes can go years without causing symptoms, and a yearly visit is one of the simplest ways to find them early.
It's also time set aside for you: to review your medicines, catch up on vaccines and screenings, and talk about anything that's been on your mind.
What happens during the visit
Every visit is shaped by your age, health and history, but most include:
- Your health history. Updates on illnesses, surgeries, medicines, allergies and your family's health.
- Vital signs. Blood pressure, pulse, weight and height.
- A physical exam. Usually listening to your heart and lungs, checking your abdomen, and looking at your ears, eyes, throat and skin.
- Everyday habits. Questions about sleep, food, activity, alcohol, tobacco, stress and mood. They're routine, and they're asked of everyone.
- Screenings and lab work. Depending on your age and risk, your doctor may recommend blood tests or other screenings.
- Vaccines. A check on which ones you're due for.
V-Care does EKG and ultrasound in-house and draws your labs here, with results usually back within 24 hours. If your doctor recommends one of those tests, you usually won't need a trip to another office.
Screenings you might discuss
Which screenings make sense depends on your age, sex, family history and past results. Your doctor will tell you what you're due for. Common ones include:
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol and blood sugar
- Colorectal cancer screening, starting at age 45 for adults at average risk
- Breast and cervical cancer screening for women
- Depression screening
- Lung cancer screening for some current and former smokers
If a close relative has had a condition such as heart disease or cancer, tell your doctor. Family history can change when screening should start.
How to prepare
A little preparation makes the visit more useful. Bring:
- Your photo ID and insurance card
- Every medicine you take, including vitamins, supplements and over-the-counter products, or a list with the name and strength of each and how often you take it
- Records or recent test results from other doctors
- Your vaccination record, if you have one
- Home blood pressure or blood sugar readings, if you keep them
- A short list of questions, written down so you don't forget them
Ask whether to fast. Some blood tests are more accurate if you haven't eaten beforehand. Ask when you book. If you take medicine for diabetes, ask how to handle it before you fast.
New to V-Care? Filling in the new patient forms before you arrive saves time at check-in.
Questions worth asking
Your doctor will have questions for you. These are worth asking in return:
- Which screenings and vaccines am I due for this year?
- What do my blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar numbers mean for me?
- Are all my medicines still right for me, and do any of them interact?
- What's the one change that would help my health most?
- When should I come back, and what should make me call sooner?
After your visit
Before you leave, make sure you know what happens next: which tests are still to come, how and when you'll hear about your results, and when your next visit should be.
If your doctor suggests a change, such as a new medicine or a referral, write it down so you can follow through. If anything about a result is unclear, call and ask.
Insurance and your yearly visit
Many insurance plans cover a yearly preventive visit, often at no cost to you when you see an in-network provider. If you also talk about a new or ongoing problem at the same visit, some plans bill that part separately. If you're unsure, check with your plan before you come.
If you have Medicare, the yearly visit it covers is called an Annual Wellness Visit. It focuses on prevention and planning, and it's different from a full physical exam. Ask us which kind of visit you're booking.
You can see the plans V-Care accepts on our insurance page. Cash patients are welcome too.
School and employment physicals
A physical for school or a new job usually comes with a form for the doctor to complete. Bring the form with you, along with any instructions from the school or employer. Read more about physicals at V-Care.
Due for a checkup? Request an appointment or call (281) 984-4550, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM.
Common questions
Do I need to fast before my annual physical?
It depends on which blood tests your doctor orders. Some blood sugar and cholesterol tests are more accurate after fasting, while many other tests aren't affected. Ask when you book, and if you take diabetes medicine, ask how to handle it before you fast.
Is an annual physical covered by insurance?
Many plans cover one preventive visit a year, often at no cost to you when you see an in-network provider. Coverage varies, so check with your plan. You can see the plans V-Care accepts on our insurance page.
Can I bring up a health problem during my physical?
Yes. Mention anything that's worrying you. Depending on what it is, your doctor may handle it during the visit or suggest a follow-up, and some plans bill problem-focused care separately from the preventive visit.
Related care at V-Care
This article is general information, not medical advice for your situation. If you’re worried about a symptom, call us or, in an emergency, call 911.