An annual physical is a chance to update your physician on what has changed in the past year and to plan the checks that are worth doing at your age. The exact list depends on your history, but the broad shape is predictable.
In your twenties and thirties
- Blood pressure at every visit.
- Cholesterol every five years if it is normal, more often if it is high.
- Cervical cancer screening for people with a cervix, starting at age 21.
- Sexual health screening as relevant.
- Mental health check-in.
In your forties
- Continue the above, with cholesterol measured every one to two years.
- Diabetes screening every three years, or more often with risk factors.
- Skin checks if you have a history of significant sun exposure.
- Vision and dental check-ups.
In your fifties
- Colorectal cancer screening starting at age 45, with the method chosen with your physician.
- Lung cancer screening for people with a significant smoking history.
- Discussion about shingles, pneumococcal, and other age-related vaccines.
At sixty and above
- Bone density scan for women over 65 and men over 70, or earlier with risk factors.
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening for men who have ever smoked.
- Annual flu vaccine and the updated Covid-19 vaccine.
- Hearing and memory check-ins.
What to skip
Not every check is worth doing for every person. Whole-body scans sold directly to consumers, for example, often find findings that turn out to be nothing but require follow-up tests. Discuss any test you are paying for out of pocket with your physician first.
How to prepare
Bring a list of any new symptoms, your medication list, and a record of any tests done elsewhere. If your physician uses the patient portal, send the list ahead of time so the visit itself can be a conversation.
This article is general information. Your physician will tailor the list above to your own history and risk factors.