What Your Annual Physical Actually Includes (And Why It Matters)
Dr. James MitchellJanuary 8, 20261 min read
Most people aren't sure what happens at a physical. Here's exactly what we check and why each component matters.
Many patients come in for their annual physical without knowing what to expect — or why each component matters. Here's a breakdown of exactly what a comprehensive physical includes.
**Vitals:**
- Blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, height, weight, BMI
**Physical examination:**
- Head, neck, lymph nodes, thyroid
- Eyes, ears, nose, throat
- Heart and lung auscultation
- Abdominal exam
- Skin and musculoskeletal assessment
- Neurological screen
**Laboratory work (typically ordered):**
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) — liver, kidney, electrolytes
- Lipid panel — cholesterol and triglycerides
- Thyroid function (TSH)
- Fasting glucose and HbA1c
- Urinalysis
**Preventive screenings (age/sex dependent):**
- Cancer screenings, vaccinations, depression and alcohol use screening
**Discussion:**
- Medication review
- Mental health check-in
- Lifestyle assessment (diet, exercise, sleep, stress)
- Goal-setting for the coming year
