The Importance of Annual Physical Exams
An annual physical exam is more than a routine checkup—it's your opportunity for a comprehensive health evaluation and your first line of defense against serious disease. When done properly, annual physicals can detect health issues early, when they're most treatable.
What Should a Comprehensive Physical Include?
Medical History Review
Your physician should review:
- Current symptoms and health concerns
- Past medical history including surgeries and hospitalizations
- Family history of disease (heart disease, cancer, diabetes)
- Social history (smoking, alcohol, exercise, diet)
- Medications and supplements
- Allergies and adverse reactions
- Immunization status
Complete Physical Examination
A thorough head-to-toe examination including:
Vital Signs
- Blood pressure
- Heart rate
- Respiratory rate
- Temperature
- Weight and BMI
- Oxygen saturation
Head and Neck
- Eyes (visual acuity, fundoscopy)
- Ears, nose, throat
- Thyroid examination
- Lymph node assessment
Cardiovascular
- Heart sounds (murmurs, rhythm)
- Peripheral pulses
- Signs of vascular disease
- Carotid artery assessment
Respiratory
- Lung sounds
- Breathing patterns
- Signs of respiratory disease
Abdominal
- Organ enlargement (liver, spleen)
- Masses or tenderness
- Hernia assessment
Musculoskeletal
- Joint examination
- Range of motion
- Strength and mobility
Neurological
- Mental status
- Cranial nerves
- Reflexes
- Sensation and strength
Skin
- Moles and lesions
- Signs of skin cancer
- Rashes or abnormalities
Laboratory Testing
Basic Blood Work
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
- Lipid Panel (cholesterol)
- Fasting glucose or HbA1c
- Thyroid function (TSH)
Additional Tests Based on Risk Factors
- Vitamin D level
- Vitamin B12
- Iron studies
- Inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR)
- Liver function tests
- Kidney function tests
Specialized Testing
- Testosterone (men)
- Hormone panel (as indicated)
- Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) for men
- Urinalysis
Age-Appropriate Cancer Screenings
Colorectal Cancer
- Colonoscopy starting at age 45 (earlier with family history)
- Stool-based testing as alternative
Breast Cancer
- Mammography starting at age 40
- Clinical breast exam
Cervical Cancer
- Pap smear and HPV testing
Prostate Cancer
- PSA testing (discuss with your doctor)
- Digital rectal exam
Lung Cancer
- Low-dose CT scan for high-risk individuals (heavy smokers)
Skin Cancer
- Full-body skin exam
Cardiovascular Risk Assessment
- Blood pressure evaluation
- Lipid panel analysis
- Blood sugar assessment
- Cardiac risk calculators (ASCVD risk score)
- EKG (as indicated)
- Coronary calcium scoring (for appropriate candidates)
Bone Health
- DEXA scan for osteoporosis (typically age 65+ for women, 70+ for men)
- Vitamin D assessment
- Calcium intake evaluation
Mental Health Screening
- Depression screening
- Anxiety assessment
- Cognitive evaluation (for seniors)
- Substance use screening
Lifestyle Counseling
A comprehensive physical should include discussion of:
- Nutrition and diet
- Exercise habits
- Sleep quality
- Stress management
- Smoking cessation
- Alcohol use
- Weight management
The Concierge Medicine Difference
In traditional practices, physicians have only 15-20 minutes for annual physicals—barely enough time to cover the basics. Concierge medicine transforms the annual physical into a true comprehensive health evaluation.
Extended Time
Concierge physicians typically spend 60-90 minutes on annual wellness exams, allowing for:
- Thorough examination
- Detailed history review
- Unhurried discussion
- Personalized health planning
Advanced Testing
With more time and focus on prevention, concierge practices often include:
- More comprehensive lab panels
- Advanced cardiovascular screening
- Genetic testing options
- Body composition analysis
- Advanced biomarker testing
Personalized Health Plans
Beyond diagnosis and screening, concierge physicians develop individualized wellness plans addressing:
- Disease prevention strategies
- Health optimization goals
- Lifestyle modifications
- Supplement recommendations
- Follow-up scheduling
When to See Your Doctor Between Annual Exams
Don't wait for your annual physical if you experience:
- New or worsening symptoms
- Significant weight changes
- Persistent fatigue
- Sleep problems
- Mood changes
- Pain or discomfort
- Any concerning symptoms
Preparing for Your Annual Physical
Before Your Appointment
-
Gather Information
- List of medications and supplements
- Recent test results
- Family health updates
- Questions for your doctor
-
Track Your Health
- Blood pressure readings (if you monitor at home)
- Blood sugar logs (if diabetic)
- Symptom diary
- Exercise and diet patterns
-
Know Your Numbers
- Last cholesterol results
- Blood pressure trends
- Weight history
- Relevant health metrics
During Your Appointment
- Be honest about symptoms and habits
- Ask questions
- Discuss any concerns
- Review all medications
- Discuss family health changes
- Set health goals together
The Bottom Line
An annual physical exam should be comprehensive, personalized, and focused on prevention. If your current annual exams feel rushed or incomplete, consider whether concierge medicine might provide the thorough, unhurried care you deserve.
Your health is your most valuable asset—invest in it with comprehensive preventive care.
Dr. Ben Soffer offers comprehensive wellness evaluations as part of his concierge internal medicine practice in Boca Raton. Learn more at drbensoffer.com.