Physical exams

Physical exams are a crucial tool to help you stay healthy. At Aurora Health Care, we provide convenient access to checkups and other primary care services throughout Wisconsin. We offer annual exams, vaccinations, screenings and more to keep you feeling your best in all stages of life.

What’s a routine physical exam?

A routine physical exam is a medical appointment to evaluate your overall health, even when you don’t feel sick. During the visit, your provider assesses your risk of chronic diseases and gives you personalized guidance to help you stay in your best health.

What’s another name for a physical exam?

There are several other names for physical exams, including:

• Annual exam
• Checkup
• Physical
• Preventive exam
• Routine exam
• Wellness check

What’s a physical exam doctor called?

Physical exam doctors are typically primary care providers. Your primary care provider may be a physician or an advanced practice clinician (APC). APCs are health care providers, such as nurse practitioners or physician assistants, who have master’s degrees or higher. These specialists can perform routine exams, order tests, treat diseases and prescribe medications.

Why do doctors do physicals?

One of the key benefits of a physical is that this visit provides an opportunity to detect chronic diseases as early as possible, often before you even experience symptoms. Your annual physical establishes a baseline for your overall health. When you have a baseline of what’s normal for you, your provider can easily pinpoint small changes that could be early signs of a health condition or problem.

Your physical exam is also an opportunity to:

• Assess your health risks
• Check your vaccinations
• Evaluate your health habits, including your diet and exercise routine
• Identify health issues that could become more serious in the future
• Review your bloodwork for signs of nutrient deficiencies or other potential health problems
• Schedule or perform preventive screenings
• Strengthen your relationship with your provider

Learn more about how to prepare for your physical exam.

Types of physical exams

There are several types of physical exams, including:

• Annual exams: Also called routine checkups, these exams happen once a year. Your provider checks your overall health, updates your medical history and discusses your health risks. Learn more about annual exams.
• Female physical exams: A female physical exam is an annual exam for women. Your provider may offer routine screenings or other recommendations specific to your needs as a woman. They may provide birth control counseling, Pap smears and other routine services. Find out more about female physical exams.
• Male physical exams: A male physical exam is a routine checkup for men. These visits include all the components of an annual exam, plus screenings and recommendations specific to men’s needs. Your provider may discuss prostate cancer screening, cholesterol tests, colon cancer screening and other routine checks. Discover more about male physical exams.
• Sports physicals: Sports physicals are exams to check whether it’s safe for your child to participate in sports. Your child typically needs to complete a sports physical at least six weeks before the start of the season. Learn more about sports physicals.

What’s the difference between a physical and an annual wellness visit?

Physicals and annual wellness visits share some goals but are distinctly different appointments. An annual wellness visit, also called a Medicare wellness visit, is a free benefit for people with Medicare insurance. The annual wellness visit aims to create a personalized prevention plan.

To create the personalized prevention plan, your provider:

• Gives you a health risk assessment that reviews your health history, family history, lifestyle and other factors that affect your health
• Takes your vital signs (measurements of your body’s basic functions)
• Combines your health risk assessment with your health data to recommend personalized strategies for chronic disease prevention

Your personalized prevention plan will include a five- to 10-year road map for lowering your health risks. The plan helps you know when to complete preventive screenings, get vaccinations and schedule your next doctor’s appointment.

It’s important to note that you don’t receive a full physical exam during an annual wellness visit. This means that you don’t discuss ongoing treatment for current health conditions. Your provider doesn’t give you vaccinations or preventive screenings during the visit either. You will need to schedule another appointment to have a complete physical.

How often should I get a physical?

Providers usually recommend getting a physical at least once a year. People under age 40 with low health risks may get a physical every other year. But if you’re over 40 or have multiple health risks, you should get a physical at least once a year and possibly more often. Learn more about who needs an annual exam.

How much does a physical cost?

A physical usually has minimal or no out-of-pocket costs with insurance. If you need a physical more than once a year, you may be responsible for a copay. Our team can help you understand your costs and insurance coverage before your appointment. Learn more about pricing and financial assistance.