Routine Health Checkup: What to Expect

Guide to annual health checkups including what's screened, tests performed, and how to prepare.

10 min readLast updated: 2026-02-17

Quick Facts

Frequency
Annual checkups recommended for all adults
Early Detection
Prevents many diseases by identifying risk factors
Cost-Effective
Prevention is far less expensive than treatment

Overview: Why Annual Checkups Matter

Regular health checkups establish baseline health information and identify potential problems before they become serious. These preventive visits allow early intervention and ongoing health maintenance .

Annual checkups provide opportunity to discuss health concerns, review medications, and ensure all preventive services are current.

Key Information
A complete checkup includes vital signs assessment, physical examination, health history review, and selected screening tests based on age and risk factors.

Vital Signs and Physical Exam

Blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, respiratory rate, and weight are measured. The physician performs thorough examination including heart, lungs, abdomen, and lymph nodes. Vision and hearing are assessed.

Screening Tests

Laboratory work may include blood tests evaluating cholesterol, glucose, liver and kidney function, and CBC. Depending on age and risk, additional tests screen for cancer, osteoporosis, or other conditions.

Warning
Prepare a list of current medications, supplements, and herbal products. Bring insurance cards and identification. List any symptoms or health concerns to discuss.
Clinical Note
Schedule checkups annually, or more frequently if you have chronic conditions . Come prepared with questions and honest answers about lifestyle, family history, and symptoms. Use this time to optimize your health proactively.

After Your Checkup

Request results summary and follow-up recommendations. Schedule any necessary specialist referrals. Plan lifestyle modifications and medication adjustments as recommended by your provider.

Sources

  1. [1]Mehrotra A et al.. "The Annual Physical Examination: How Much is Too Much?." JAMA Internal Medicine, 2013.
  2. [2]Pignone M et al.. "Preventive Health Care in Adults and Children: A Resource for Clinicians." American Academy of Family Physicians, 2016.

Medically reviewed by

Medical Review Team, Internal Medicine

Last updated: 2026-02-17Sources: 2

The content on Medical Atlas is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider.