Who needs an annual exam?

If you can’t remember the last time you went to the doctor, you’re likely due for your annual exam. It’s common to get busy and not realize an entire year has passed. But if it’s been more than a year since you scheduled a checkup, it’s time to see your doctor.

Routine physical exams are an important part of staying healthy. At Aurora Health Care, you have easy access to skilled, compassionate primary care providers who help you achieve and maintain your best health.

Why should you have an annual exam?

You may wonder why you need an annual exam if you feel perfectly fine. The most important reason not to skip your annual physical is to increase your chances of detecting chronic diseases in their early stages. Conditions like heart disease, diabetes or cancer may not cause any symptoms early on. But when you diagnose these diseases early, they’re often much easier to treat effectively.

Besides early disease detection, there are several other benefits to annual exams, including:

• Asking your provider about how you can lower your health risks
• Getting bloodwork to check for any nutrient deficiencies or signs of chronic health conditions
• Scheduling or receiving necessary vaccines and preventive screenings
• Scheduling specialty or follow-up care as needed
• Talking about how your family history affects your risk of developing certain conditions
• Telling your provider about any new symptoms or health changes

Do you need a physical every year?

Most people should get a physical every year. If you’re under age 40 and in good health with low or no risk factors, your provider may recommend getting a physical exam every other year. If you’re older than 40 or have one or more chronic conditions, you may need to see your provider more than once a year. You should ask your provider what they recommend, depending on your general health, risk factors and family history.

At what age should children have annual exams?

Children usually start annual exams around age three. Until then, they typically see the doctor for vaccinations and checkups.

How do annual exams change as you get older?

The reasons you need an annual exam can change slightly as you age. Your provider will discuss different health risks and screenings with you, depending on how old you are.

In addition to age, your exam will vary depending on how frequently different screenings and vaccinations are needed. For example, a shingles vaccine covers you for at least seven years and most people get a cholesterol check every four to six years.

Here are examples of things you might experience as part of your exams over time:

• Ages 20 to 39: You might need routine vaccines such as a tetanus booster or an annual flu shot. You may also need a COVID shot, depending on when you had your last booster. Your doctor will also check your blood pressure and let you know if it’s time for a cholesterol check. If you’re scheduling a female physical exam, your provider may also complete a Pap smear or another cervical cancer screening.
• Ages 40 to 49: After age 40, the risks of heart disease and stroke increase. Your provider will review your risk factors and may recommend other types of heart screenings. When you reach age 45, your provider will likely start discussing colon cancer screenings. Female physical exams will also include a conversation about mammograms.
• Ages 50 to 65: You may need more diabetes screenings, especially if you have a body mass index (BMI) that’s considered overweight or obese. After age 50, male physical exams may also include a discussion about prostate cancer screening. African American men and others at increased risk for prostate cancer may be encouraged to get screening at a younger age. Your provider will also start talking to you about the shingles vaccine.
• Ages 65 and older: After age 65, postmenopausal females should start bone density screenings. Providers typically recommend everyone complete regular bone density screenings after age 70. Your provider may ask you about your memory and mental health as you age. You may also need a pneumococcal vaccine.