Geez. It happens every year. It’s easy to forget about. Is it really worth my time?

Or…

You only need to do it annually (in general). Just put it on your calendar and stop worrying about it. It’s like regular maintenance for your car, but it’s your personal health that’s involved.

Annual physical exams can be an integral part of our overall wellness routine. And the good news is that they’re usually covered completely under most health insurance plans. It’s an important opportunity for you and your doctor to check under the hood. Are routine functions and readings shipshape? More importantly, is there anything critical that needs to be addressed in the short term or over time?

One of the most important reasons for maintaining a regular schedule of annual physicals is to catch potential problems early and maximize the effectiveness of any treatment that may be needed. It’s just one of the benefits of yearly check-ups.

Is an Annual Physical Necessary?

 There has been discussion recently about whether annual exams are necessary as opposed to maintaining regular lab screenings combined with periodic, simpler visits to the doctor. Some studies have indicated that annual physicals may not help people stay well and live longer. The bottom line is that this is ultimately a question of personal risk tolerance and should be addressed with your physician based on factors like age, current health status and family history.

You may “feel great.” But many conditions, like high blood pressure and high cholesterol, may not have perceptible symptoms, at least in the early stages. Same for more life-threatening conditions such as cancer and heart disease.

Age can also play a role. For example, people under the age of 40 may not need an overall physical exam every year. So ask your doctor’s advice considering your current condition and history as well as your family medical profile.

Also, as we age, the nature of some tests and evaluations may change. A regular program of physical exams helps establish a record to track trends in our health over time that is quite valuable to a doctor in determining any treatments and interventions. In some cases, early intervention can take the form of simple lifestyle changes rather than medication or more aggressive alternatives.

Over-medication, unwarranted tests and other factors are contributors to the high cost of healthcare in the U.S. Moreover, there are chances for some tests to return false-positive results that can lead to unneeded treatments and procedures. These considerations are all the more reason for frank and open discussions with your doctor. And for selecting a highly qualified and experienced physician in the first place.

What to Expect During a Routine Physical Exam

Here are some of the things that a routine physical exam may include:

• Heart rate and ECG
• Blood pressure
• Body temperature
• Respiration
• Balance and reflexes
• Mental faculties and mood
• Discoloration or swelling
• Abnormalities in the eyes, thyroid, ears and skin
• Positioning and size of organs
• Fluid buildup in organs, abdomen or lungs
• Urine and blood work for cholesterol, blood sugar and other factors
• Various cancer screenings based on gender and age
• Review of current medications being taken and immunizations

It sounds like a lot. But the process really just involves routine lab work, some in-office tests, simple topical touch, a few exercises and some conversation.

Preparation can make your annual exam more effective. Bring a list of medications, ailments, symptoms and concerns. Provide your doctor with any updates to your medical history, both personal and family. Plus, you can piggyback things like prescription updates, flu shots, and travel immunizations in one visit.

So, is an annual physical needed?

In the short term, you should of course contact your doctor when there is definitely something that needs attention or when you feel you need advice. For the long haul, an annual physical exam can play an important role in keeping the ride smooth and the engine humming. It can be a couple hours very well spent. And, don’t forget, the chances are good that preventive care is covered under your healthcare insurance.