Short answer
Vital signs, a head-to-toe exam, a review of your history and medications, age-based screenings and vaccines, and sometimes lab work.
Annual Physical Exam: Screenings by Age
Your annual physical exam is when your clinician checks which preventive screenings you’re due for. Common USPSTF-recommended screenings include:
| Screening | Who |
|---|---|
| Blood pressure | All adults 18+ |
| Depression | All adults |
| HIV (at least once) | Ages 15–65 |
| Hepatitis C (at least once) | Ages 18–79 |
| Prediabetes / type 2 diabetes | Ages 35–70 with overweight or obesity |
| Colorectal cancer | Ages 45–75 |
| Mammogram (every 2 years) | Women 40–74 (see breast exam) |
| Cervical cancer | Ages 21–65 (see pelvic exam) |
| Prostate cancer (PSA) discussion | Men 55–69 (see prostate exam) |
Vaccines are also reviewed: an annual flu shot, a Td/Tdap booster every 10 years, and age-based vaccines such as shingles and pneumococcal.
USA Physical Exam: Quick Facts
- Typical length
- 20–60 minutes
- Cost with ACA plan
- $0 preventive visit in-network
- Self-pay (primary care)
- About $100–$300
- Retail clinic sports/school physical
- About $25–$100
- Normal BP (AHA)
- Below 120/80
- Healthy BMI
- 18.5–24.9
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Disclaimer: This guide is for general information and is not medical advice. Coverage, prices and requirements change and vary by provider and location. Confirm details with your provider, insurer or the agency listed in the sources. Read our editorial policy.