Primary care physicians may serve as the first point of contact in everyday health. They track your baseline health over time, guide preventive care, and coordinate with specialists when needed. During an annual exam, they typically review your medical history, update your medications, and look for early signs of disease. Here is what a provider may do at an annual exam:
Blood Pressure & Heart Rate
They may begin with measurements, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, height, weight, and body mass index. These numbers provide a quick overview of cardiovascular and metabolic trends, highlighting any sudden shifts from the prior year. If blood pressure readings are high, the clinician may repeat the test after a few minutes.
If your pulse is irregular, they may listen and document the details. You might see a comparison chart in the record. They also typically ask about sleep, activity, or recent illness if a number falls outside the usual range. This frames the rest of the visit, and it directs what the provider checks next.
Body Examination
At a primary care annual exam, a head-to-toe review may be conducted, although the order varies by age, sex, and risk factors, and the findings guide the next steps during the same visit. The exam typically includes:
- Head and neck: eyes, ears, nose, throat, thyroids, and tonsils
- Heart and lungs: heart sounds, breath sounds, and breathing effort
They also examine the skin for rashes, moles, or changes in color. Joints, gait, and muscle strength are assessed next, followed by a check of the abdomen for tenderness if pain or stiffness is reported. Other screens might assess reflexes, sensation, or balance, while gender-specific exams address breast, pelvic, prostate, or testicular health, as indicated by the patient’s history and guidelines. Questions during this part help link physical findings with daily life, and they help separate a one-time issue from a pattern.
Blood & Urine Tests
Testing supports the physical exam and takes into account your risks, medications, and age. Simple tests are routine, complex panels are targeted, and repeat testing is based on prior results. Urinalysis checks for infection, blood, protein, or glucose; a microalbumin test tracks early kidney changes; and a pregnancy test is offered when relevant.
If you take certain drugs, the provider orders labs that track kidney function, liver function, or medication levels. Results feed into risk calculators for heart disease and diabetes, which help shape lifestyle advice and medication discussions. Abnormal values lead to confirmation testing rather than quick conclusions, and expected results help set your baseline for the year ahead.
Visit a Primary Care Clinic
Annual exams work best when you prepare, ask direct questions, and follow the plan you agree on. Bring a list of medications with doses and timing, arrive with your immunization dates, and note any new symptoms, including when they started and what helps. If a referral is needed, the clinic coordinates records so the specialist has the facts they need. To keep your health on track, schedule your annual exam with a primary care clinic today, bring your updated information, and set a follow-up date before you leave.