Arrive 15 minutes early for registration. About 25% of claim denials stem from incorrect insurance info, so verify your member ID and group number beforehand.
Compile a list of all current medications with dosages
Include prescription drugs, over-the-counter meds, and supplements. The average American adult takes 4 prescription medications, and drug interactions account for up to 30% of adverse events.
Bring records from any specialists seen in the past year
Request records at least 2 weeks in advance. Offices typically need 5-10 business days to process medical record requests.
Prepare a family medical history update
Note any new diagnoses in first-degree relatives (parents, siblings, children) since your last visit. Family history influences screening recommendations for over 40 conditions.
Bring your immunization records or dates of last vaccines
Adults need a Td or Tdap booster every 10 years, an annual flu shot, and may need shingles or pneumonia vaccines after age 50. Check your state immunization registry online if you lack paper records.
Health Tracking to Complete Before the Visit
Log your blood pressure readings for the past 2 weeks
Take readings at the same time daily, sitting with feet flat on the floor. Normal is below 120/80 mmHg. Record at least 14 readings to give your doctor a reliable average.
Record any symptoms or health changes since your last visit
Write down when symptoms started, how often they occur, and what makes them better or worse. Studies show patients forget up to 50% of what they want to discuss once in the exam room.
Note your sleep patterns and average hours per night
Adults need 7-9 hours per night. Track your bedtime and wake time for at least 7 days. About 35% of adults report sleeping fewer than 7 hours, which increases risk for chronic conditions.
Track your exercise frequency and type for the past month
The recommended minimum is 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week plus 2 days of muscle-strengthening activities. Only 23% of American adults meet both guidelines.
Questions to Prepare for Your Doctor
Write down your top 3-5 health concerns to discuss
Prioritize your list since the average primary care visit lasts 18 minutes. Lead with your most pressing concern so it gets adequate time.
Ask which age-appropriate screenings you are due for
Common screenings include cholesterol every 4-6 years starting at age 20, colorectal cancer screening starting at 45, and diabetes screening every 3 years starting at 35 for those at risk.
Ask about updating vaccinations based on age and risk factors
Adults over 50 should discuss the shingles vaccine (2 doses). Those over 65 need the pneumococcal vaccine. The RSV vaccine is recommended for adults 60 and older.
Discuss any medication side effects or refill needs
Request 90-day prescriptions if your insurance covers them, as this saves 20-30% compared to monthly refills. Ask about generic alternatives that can reduce costs by 80-85%.
Ask about mental health screening if you have concerns
The PHQ-9 depression screening takes about 3 minutes and is recommended annually for all adults. About 1 in 5 adults experiences mental illness each year, and early detection improves outcomes significantly.
Day-of Preparation
Follow fasting instructions if blood work is ordered
Most lipid panels require 9-12 hours of fasting. Drink water freely, as dehydration can affect blood draw success and some test results. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before the appointment.
Wear comfortable, easy-to-remove clothing
You will likely need to change into a gown. Avoid complicated jewelry or shoes that are hard to remove. This speeds up the exam and reduces your time in the office by 5-10 minutes.
Bring a pen and notepad or use your phone for notes
Patients forget 40-80% of medical information provided by their doctor immediately after the visit. Writing key points down during the appointment dramatically improves recall and follow-through.
Check if your copay is required at the visit
Under the ACA, annual preventive visits are covered at 100% with no copay for most plans. However, if your doctor addresses a specific complaint or orders diagnostic tests beyond screening, a copay may apply.
Post-Visit Follow-Up
Schedule any recommended screenings or lab work
Book follow-up appointments before leaving the office. Patients who schedule at checkout are 70% more likely to complete follow-up care compared to those who plan to call later.
Review your lab results when they arrive in the patient portal
Most results are available within 3-7 business days. Flag any values outside the reference range and send a portal message to your doctor with specific questions rather than waiting for the next visit.
Update your personal health record with new findings
Keep a running document with your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, weight, and BMI from each visit. Tracking trends over 3-5 years is more informative than any single measurement.
Fill any new prescriptions within 48 hours
About 20-30% of prescriptions are never filled. If cost is a barrier, ask your pharmacist about manufacturer coupons or patient assistance programs that can reduce costs by 50-90%.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring to my annual physical exam?
Bring your insurance card, photo ID, a list of all current medications (including doses and supplements), your vaccination records, and any recent lab results from specialists. If you have a family history document or health diary tracking symptoms, bring those too. Having everything on hand saves time and helps your doctor make better-informed decisions.
How often should adults get a physical exam?
For adults 18-39 with no chronic conditions, every 2-3 years is standard. After age 40, annual physicals are widely recommended since the risk of conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and cancer increases significantly. If you have chronic conditions or a strong family history of disease, your doctor may want to see you more frequently.
Do I need to fast before my annual physical?
If your doctor is ordering a lipid panel or fasting glucose test, you will need to fast for 9-12 hours before your blood draw. Water is fine during the fasting period. If you take morning medications, ask your doctor whether to take them before or after the blood work, as some drugs affect results.
What blood tests are done during a routine physical?
A standard panel includes a complete blood count (CBC), comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) for kidney and liver function, lipid panel for cholesterol, fasting glucose or HbA1c for diabetes screening, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Depending on your age and risk factors, your doctor may also add vitamin D, B12, or a PSA test.
Does insurance cover annual physicals at 100%?
Under the ACA, most insurance plans must cover one preventive visit per year with zero copay or deductible. However, if your visit shifts from preventive to diagnostic (for example, your doctor orders extra tests for a new complaint), those additional services may be billed separately. Ask the front desk beforehand what is classified as preventive.