What is an annual wellness exam?

An annual wellness exam is a routine visit to the doctor that usually takes place every year. This exam evaluates your overall wellness and gives your health care provider important information about the condition of your health each year.

What happens during an annual wellness exam?

During an annual wellness exam, your health care provider will run through a series of tests and checks to get a general sense of how your body is doing. Often, your provider will do this using a physical exam check list that applies to your age, gender and any risk factors you may have. Some of these checks include: 

• Checking your weight, height and body mass index (BMI): Your weight, height and BMI are important measurements that give your doctor an idea of how healthy you are for your age.

• Checking your heart rate and blood pressure: Many things can affect your blood pressure, including stress, sleep habits, smoking, diet and exercise habits. Having too high or too low levels of blood pressure are both risk factors for chronic (long-term) health problems.

• Listening to your lungs and heart: This is done to check for any breathing problems, including wheezing or coughing. Your health care provider may also listen for heart murmurs (unusual sounds between each heartbeat) or extra sounds that can indicate a possible problem with your heart.

• Performing a physical exam: Your provider will look at all the important areas of your body to make sure there are no signs of health problems. This includes checking the color and size of your eyes, looking for bumps or lumps on your skin, checking your stomach area and checking your reflexes. 

• Gender-specific checks: This may include a breast exam or a physical exam of the testicles.