Medically reviewed by Dr. Ahsan Abdulghani M.D, Mediversity | Last updated: August 14, 2026
If you’ve typed “what does a physical exam include” or “annual physical exam near me” into Google, you’re probably getting ready for a check-up and want to know what to expect. That’s completely normal — a lot of people put off their yearly physical simply because they aren’t sure what happens during the visit, and not knowing can make anyone a little nervous.
The good news: a routine physical exam is one of the easiest, most painless things you can do for your health. Here at our Turnersville, NJ clinic, we perform physical exams every day for patients across South Jersey — including Sicklerville, Williamstown, and Glassboro — and we always walk our patients through each step so there are no surprises. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what a general physical exam includes, why it matters, and how you can book your appointment with us.
What Is a Routine Physical Exam?
A routine physical exam (also called an annual physical, wellness exam, or preventive health checkup) is a full-body check-up with your doctor, done even when you’re feeling perfectly fine. The goal isn’t to treat an illness — it’s to catch small problems early, before they turn into big ones, and to keep a record of your health over time.
Think of it as a “maintenance check” for your body, similar to how you’d take your car in for a tune-up before something breaks down. Many people search for “physical exam near me” once a year because health insurance plans often cover a yearly physical exam at no extra cost — a benefit backed by the USPSTF preventive care guidelines, which is one reason it’s simply smart, proactive care.
What Happens During a Physical Exam? Step by Step
Here’s exactly what to expect when you come in for a routine check-up at Mediversity.
1. Health History Review
Your provider will start by asking about your medical history, including:
- Current medications, supplements, and allergies
- Past illnesses, surgeries, or hospitalizations
- Family health history (like heart disease, diabetes, or cancer)
- Lifestyle habits such as diet, exercise, sleep, smoking, and alcohol use
- Any new symptoms or concerns you’ve noticed
Being open here helps your doctor tailor the rest of the visit to your specific health needs. In our experience, this conversation is often where patients bring up small symptoms they’d otherwise never mention — a persistent headache, trouble sleeping — that end up being the most clinically useful part of the visit.
2. Vital Signs Check
Next, our team checks your vital signs, which give a quick snapshot of how your body is functioning:
- Blood pressure
- Heart rate (pulse)
- Breathing rate
- Body temperature
- Height, weight, and BMI (Body Mass Index)
3. Head-to-Toe Physical Examination
This is the part most people picture when they think of a “full body checkup.” Your doctor will typically check:
- Eyes, ears, nose, and throat for infection or irregularities
- Heart and lungs, listening for abnormal rhythms or sounds
- Abdomen, checking for tenderness, swelling, or organ enlargement
- Skin, looking for unusual moles, rashes, or changes
- Lymph nodes, neck, and thyroid
- Reflexes and muscle strength
- Basic neurological screening (balance, coordination, memory)
Depending on your age and health history, your doctor may also perform a more focused exam, such as a breast exam, testicular exam, or pelvic exam.
4. Lab Work and Screenings
Based on your age, gender, and risk factors, your doctor may order routine lab tests, which commonly include:
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Cholesterol and lipid panel
- Blood sugar / diabetes screening (A1C or glucose test)
- Urinalysis
- Thyroid function tests
- STI screening, if relevant
- Age-appropriate cancer screenings (such as mammograms, colonoscopies, or Pap smears)
Screening frequency is generally guided by CDC preventive screening recommendations, which your provider will tailor to your personal risk factors.
5. Vaccinations and Preventive Care
Your annual physical exam is also the perfect time to catch up on vaccines — flu shots, tetanus boosters, shingles vaccines, and others, depending on your age.
6. Discussion and Health Plan
Finally, your doctor will go over the results with you, answer your questions, and create a plan going forward. This might include lifestyle recommendations, a referral to a specialist, or a follow-up schedule for future screenings.
How Often Should You Get a Physical Exam? (By Age)
One of the most common questions we hear is “how often do I actually need one of these?” Here’s a general guideline — always confirm your personal schedule with your provider:
| Age Group | Recommended Frequency |
|---|---|
| 18–29 | Every 2–3 years (annually if you have risk factors) |
| 30–39 | Every 1–2 years |
| 40–49 | Annually |
| 50+ | Annually, plus age-specific screenings (colonoscopy, mammogram, bone density) |
If you have a chronic condition, a family history of disease, or take regular medication, your doctor may recommend more frequent visits regardless of age.
Why Is a Routine Physical Exam Important?
Many people search “do I really need a physical exam every year” — and the honest answer is yes, especially if:
- You have a family history of chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or cancer
- You haven’t seen a doctor in over a year
- You want to establish a relationship with a primary care doctor
- You need a physical for work, school, sports, or immigration purposes
- You simply want peace of mind about your health
Routine exams help detect conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and early-stage diabetes long before symptoms appear — when they’re easiest to treat.
How Long Does a Physical Exam Take?
Most routine physical exams at Mediversity take between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on whether lab work or additional screenings are needed.
How to Prepare for Your Physical Exam
A few simple tips to get the most out of your visit:
- Bring a list of current medications and supplements
- Write down any symptoms or health concerns beforehand
- Wear comfortable, easy-to-remove clothing
- Fast for 8–12 hours if bloodwork is scheduled (your provider will let you know)
- Bring your insurance card and photo ID
What If My Doctor Finds Something?
It’s natural to feel a flicker of worry before a physical, especially if it’s been a while since your last one. In reality, most findings during a routine exam are minor and manageable — slightly elevated blood pressure, borderline cholesterol, or a vitamin deficiency are common and usually addressed with simple lifestyle changes or a short-term treatment plan, not a crisis.
If something does need closer attention, your provider will explain exactly what was found, what it means, and what the next steps look like — whether that’s a follow-up test, a referral to a specialist, or simply a plan to recheck at your next visit. The entire purpose of a routine physical is to catch these things while they’re still easy to manage, so an unexpected finding is far more often good news (caught early) than bad news.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a physical exam free with insurance? Most insurance plans cover one annual wellness visit at no cost under preventive care benefits, though this depends on your specific plan. We recommend confirming your coverage details before your visit, and our front desk is happy to help you check.
What’s the difference between a physical exam and a regular check-up? They’re often used interchangeably, but a “physical” typically refers to the comprehensive annual exam described above, while a “check-up” can sometimes mean a shorter, more targeted visit for a specific concern.
Do I need to fast before a physical exam? Only if bloodwork is being drawn that requires it, such as a fasting glucose or cholesterol panel. Your provider will tell you in advance if fasting is needed for your visit.
Can I get a physical exam for work or school requirements? Yes — Mediversity provides physicals for employment, school, and sports participation. Let our staff know the specific form or requirements when you book.
Schedule Your Physical Exam at Mediversity in Turnersville, NJ
Whether you need a yearly physical, a work or school physical, or simply want a trusted family doctor near me, our team at Mediversity is here to help. We make routine check-ups simple, comfortable, and stress-free.
📍 Visit us at: 4991 Route 42, Suite 8, Turnersville, NJ, United States, 08012 📞 Call us: (856) 740-9777 🗓️ Book Your Physical Exam Online →
Don’t wait for a health problem to show up — book your routine physical exam today and take a proactive step toward a healthier future.