Annual Physical Exam Checklist For Children, Males And Females

Feeling a little anxious about your upcoming annual check-up? No worries! We’re here to help you feel more prepared! 

Whether it’s for your child, yourself, or a loved one, a yearly physical helps keep track of your health and catch any concerns early.

In this blog, you’ll explore a quick, straightforward checklist for every age, covering what to expect for kids, men, and women. 

From routine tests to age-specific screenings, knowing what’s ahead can make the process smoother and even motivate you to take care of your health. So, let’s explore what you need to know to walk into that appointment with confidence. 

Who Should Go For An Annual Physical Exam? 

Whether you’re feeling great or dealing with ongoing health concerns, an annual check-up is an efficient way to catch any ‘silent’ issues before they become serious. 

Moreover, elderly individuals may need to monitor chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or alzheimer’s. Therefore, the doctor may suggest you get a wellness physical exam more often for an overall health check-up. 

However, the frequency of physical exams depends on your age and general health. If you’re a healthy individual with no chronic diseases, here’s what most providers suggest:

• For ages 19-21 years: Every 2-3 years. 
• For ages 22-64 years: Once every 1 to 3 years. 
• Over 65 years: Once a year. 

Not to mention, only your health provider can determine your screening frequency and schedule. So, visiting a provider is the best option to make sure your health is up-to-date. 

The Physical Exam Checklist That Every Parent Needs For Their Child! 

Wondering what to expect during your child’s physical wellness exam? We’ve got you covered! From newborns to teens, here’s a quick, handy checklist that breaks down the important screenings and tests by age. 

Category	What do we check for 0-12 years children?	What do we check for 12-19 years children?
General observations	We look at your child’s growth (weight, height)	Checking growth patterns, weight, and height for any unusual changes.
Eyes	We look at how your child’s eyes follow objects and if they align correctly.	Ensure that vision is clear and eyes are healthy. Check for squinting or other vision issues.
Ears & hearing	Hearing response	Check whether the child has any hearing issues
Oral Health	Gum and tooth eruption (infants)Check for dental caries (preschool)	Check for cavities, swollen gums, and discuss dental hygiene if needed.
Heart and lungs	Heartbeat and breathing sounds	Healthy heart and lung sounds
Muscles and bones	Movement and walking	Posture, back and joint health
Skin	Rashes, birthmarks	Acne, unusual moles
Vaccinations	Up-to-date vaccinations	Teen shots (like HPV)
Development	Milestones like walking, talking	Mood and social interactions

If you live in Indiana or Illinois and are looking for an annual physical exam for your child, feel free to walk into our clinic. 

Yearly Physical Exam Checklist For Adults To Elderly Individuals

Here’s how you can ensure every aspect of your health is covered at your yearly physical!  

Category	Age 19-39	Age 19-60	Age 65+
General Health	✔	✔	✔
Vital Signs (Blood pressure, heart rate, respiration rate, temperature)	✔	✔	✔
Chronic condition screening (cholesterol, kidney function, diabetes, osteoporosis)	✔	✔	✔
Heart Exam	✔	✔	✔
Lung Exam	✔	✔	✔
Head and Neck Exam	✔	✔	✔
Neurological Exam	✔	✔	✔
Immunizations	✔	✔	✔
Cognitive Health		✔	✔
Hearing Test			✔

Male vs Female Annual Physical Exam Checklist

Apart from the standard annual physical check-up, some tests are specific for males and females. 

In males, the provider may perform a genital exam to detect male-related diseases such as testicular or prostate cancer.  

Here’s the physical exam checklist for males:

• Testicular exam: The provider may check for lumps or changes in the size of the testicles. 
• Hernia exam: You may be asked to turn your head and cough to check for any weakness in the abdomen wall. 
• Penis exam: The provider checks for sexually transmitted diseases or any abnormalities on the penis, such as genital warts or ulcers. 
• Prostate exam: To help detect the early signs of prostate cancer, the provider may observe the size of the prostate by placing a lubricated finger inside the rectum. 

On the other hand, in females, two more additional screenings are done in annual physicals, which are as follows: 

• Breast Examination: In this exam, the doctor or nurse may check for any changes in the breast, such as any lumps or changes in size or shape. 
• Pelvic Exam: Your doctor may check your vulva, vagina, cervix, ovaries, uterus, rectum and pelvis for any unusual changes.

If you’re based in Illinois or Indiana and looking for an annual physical exam, you can even call us at Family Urgent Care to book your physical wellness appointment. 

What To Bring For An Annual Check-Up?

To make sure that you have a hassle-free visit, it is vital to prepare for the check-up beforehand. 

• List of current medications you’re taking (over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, etc)
• List of any symptoms or pain
• Medical or surgical history, if any.
• Any recent lab tests or reports 
• If you have any implanted device, such as a pacemaker.
• Your ID and insurance information

Also, dress in comfortable clothing and avoid any excess jewellery, makeup, or other things. Keep reading to learn 4 things you should avoid before going for an annual check-up. 

What Questions Can You Ask Your Doctor During Annual Physical Exam?

Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor any questions or concerns you have. You can even write down the questions before your appointment so that all your doubts are resolved. Here’s a list to help you out! 

• Are there any changes to my medications?
• Is my weight and BMI in a healthy range? 
• What health screenings will the doctor perform?
• Do you recommend any lifestyle changes that I should make? 
• Are there any health risk factors?
• Should I be worried about my family history affecting my health? 
• Should I feel worried about the symptoms I’m experiencing? 

4 Things To Avoid During A Physical Exam

Some habits or actions can skew your health results and give an inaccurate picture of your overall health. Therefore, make sure you avoid these four things during your next check-up. 

• Do not drink alcohol at least 24 hours before your exam. 
• It is better to avoid caffeine for at least one hour before the exam as it may increase your blood pressure. 
• Avoid eating a high-fat meal before an annual physical. 
• Refrain from eating or drinking anything for 8 to 12 hours if your provider orders blood tests. 

Are Annual Physicals Covered Under Insurance or Not? 

Yes, most insurance plans do cover an annual physical exam with no copay! It’s generally free once a year, but there’s a small catch. While the basic exam is covered, any extra services, like lab tests or specific screenings, might come with an additional cost.

Takeaway

So, if it’s been a year (or even two) since your last wellness check, don’t wait any longer! Reach out to a local provider today. And for those of you in Indiana or Illinois, you can stop by our nearby branches. We’re here to get you in for a same-day physical exam and counsel you on your overall health. 

FAQs About Physical Exams Checklist