An annual physical in Gilbert, AZ is a yearly check-up with your primary care provider that reviews your health history, checks vital signs, updates vaccines and screenings, and manages any long-term conditions. Adults with Medicare receive a yearly Annual Wellness Visit focused on prevention. Patients with two or more chronic conditions may also benefit from chronic care management.
What Is an Annual Physical?
An annual physical, sometimes called a wellness exam or check-up, is a yearly visit focused on staying healthy rather than treating a new problem. It gives your primary care provider a baseline, helps catch conditions such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes early, and is a good time to renew prescriptions and ask questions.
What Happens During an Annual Physical Exam?
• Health history review: new symptoms, medications, family history, sleep, mood and lifestyle
• Vital signs: blood pressure, heart rate, weight and body mass index
• Physical exam: heart, lungs, abdomen, skin and other areas as needed
• Lab work when indicated: cholesterol, blood sugar (A1C) and other tests based on age and risk
• Vaccines: flu shot each year and other vaccines you are due for
• Screenings: based on your age, sex and risk factors
• Mental health check: brief screening for depression and anxiety
• Prescription renewals and referrals to specialists when needed
Which Screenings Do Adults Need by Age?
Recommendations vary by person, but common examples from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force include:
• Blood pressure: checked at least yearly for adults 40 and older and those at higher risk
• Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes: screening for adults 35 to 70 who are overweight or have obesity
• Colorectal cancer: screening starting at age 45 for adults at average risk
• Cholesterol and heart risk: assessed in adults 40 to 75 to guide prevention
• Depression: screening for all adults
Your provider will tailor screenings to your health history.
Does Medicare Cover an Annual Physical?
Medicare Part B covers a "Welcome to Medicare" preventive visit within the first 12 months of enrollment and a yearly Annual Wellness Visit after that. The Annual Wellness Visit focuses on a personalized prevention plan and usually has no cost when your provider accepts Medicare assignment. A traditional head-to-toe routine physical is not covered by Original Medicare, and any tests or treatment for new problems may have costs. Medicare Advantage plans may cover more.
How Should You Prepare for Your Annual Physical?
1. Bring a list of all medications and supplements, with doses.
2. Write down questions and any new symptoms.
3. Know your family health history.
4. Ask whether you need to fast before blood work.
5. Bring your insurance card and a list of other providers you see.
Is an Annual Physical Different From a Sick Visit?
Yes. An annual physical focuses on prevention, while a sick visit treats a specific problem, such as a sore throat or rash. Many minor sick visits can also be handled by telemedicine. Read when to use telemedicine, urgent care or the ER.
Why Do Annual Physicals Matter More as You Age?
The risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some cancers rises with age, often without early symptoms. Yearly visits also help catch changes in memory, mood, balance, hearing and vision, and keep medication lists safe as they grow. For older adults, a consistent primary care provider can coordinate specialists and prevent avoidable hospital visits.
How Is Mental Health Part of an Annual Physical?
Your provider will usually ask a few questions about mood, sleep, stress and anxiety. Depression screening is recommended for all adults, and early signs are easier to treat. If something comes up, care can be coordinated with psychiatry services in the same practice, so you do not have to start over with someone new.
What Questions Should You Ask at Your Annual Physical?
• Which screenings am I due for this year?
• Are my blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar in a healthy range?
• Do any of my medications interact or need adjusting?
• Which vaccines do I need?
• What one change would most improve my health this year?
What Happens After Your Annual Physical?
After your visit, you will usually receive lab results through a patient portal or a follow-up call, along with any changes to your medications or screening referrals. If a result is outside the healthy range, your provider will explain what it means and the next step, which might be a repeat test, a lifestyle change or a new medication. Patients with long-term conditions may be offered more frequent check-ins or chronic care management. Many follow-up questions can be handled by telemedicine, so you do not always need another office visit.
Where Can Adults in Gilbert, AZ and Chandler, AZ Schedule an Annual Physical?
Amikal Healthcare, part of Amikal Wellness, has provided adult primary care in Gilbert since 2022 and welcomes patients from neighboring Chandler. Primary care is available for adults 18 and older, with a focus on older adults. Request a visit through the online patient scheduler.
Frequently Asked Questions About Annual Physical Exams in Gilbert, AZ and Chandler, AZ
How often should adults get a physical?
Most adults benefit from a yearly check-up. People with chronic conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure usually need more frequent visits.
How long does an annual physical take?
Most annual physicals take 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your health history, screenings and questions.
Do I need to fast before my annual physical?
Only if your provider orders fasting blood work. Many cholesterol and A1C tests no longer require fasting, so ask when you book.
Is an Annual Wellness Visit the same as a physical?
No. Medicare's Annual Wellness Visit focuses on a prevention plan, health risk assessment and screenings. It does not include a full head-to-toe physical exam.
Does Medicare pay for a yearly physical?
Original Medicare covers a yearly Annual Wellness Visit, usually at no cost when your provider accepts assignment, but not a routine physical exam. Medicare Advantage plans may offer more.
What blood tests are done at an annual physical?
Common tests include a cholesterol panel, blood sugar or A1C, and a metabolic panel. Others, such as thyroid tests, are ordered based on symptoms and risk.
Will my provider check my mental health at a physical?
Yes. Most annual visits include a brief depression and anxiety screening. If needed, you can be connected with depression treatment or anxiety treatment in the same practice.
Can I get my prescriptions refilled at my annual physical?
Yes. The annual visit is a good time to review and renew long-term prescriptions.
What vaccines do adults need each year?
Adults are advised to get a flu shot every year. Your provider will also check whether you are due for other vaccines based on your age and health.
Can an annual physical be done by telemedicine?
Parts of a wellness visit, such as reviewing history and medications, can be done by video, but blood pressure, the physical exam and lab work need an in-person visit.
What should I bring to my annual physical?
Bring your medication list, insurance card, questions, recent test results from other providers and your family health history.
Do healthy adults really need an annual physical?
Yes. Many conditions, such as high blood pressure, prediabetes and high cholesterol, cause no symptoms early on. A yearly visit helps catch them before they cause problems.
What is the difference between a physical and a chronic care visit?
A physical focuses on prevention for your overall health, while a chronic care visit focuses on managing a specific long-term condition, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
Can I bring a family member to my annual physical?
Yes. A family member or caregiver can help you remember questions and instructions, which is especially helpful for older adults.