What’s Included in an Annual Physical Exam? A Complete Guide

At Triad Primary Care, we believe that an annual physical exam is a cornerstone of lifelong health and wellness. Our routine check-ups are designed to assess your overall health, prevent future issues, and address any current concerns you may have—all in a comfortable, patient-centered environment.

When you visit for your annual physical, our providers will start by reviewing your personal and family medical history, as well as any recent changes in your health or lifestyle. We’ll ask about your current medications, allergies, and any new symptoms you may have experienced since your last visit, ensuring we have a comprehensive understanding of your health.

During your exam, we’ll measure your height, weight, and vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature. Your provider will also perform a thorough physical assessment, which may include listening to your heart and lungs, checking your abdomen, and evaluating your skin, reflexes, and overall appearance. Depending on your age, gender, and health needs, additional exams—such as breast or pelvic exams for women, or testicular and prostate exams for men—may be recommended.

We may order laboratory tests as part of your annual visit, including blood work to assess cholesterol, blood sugar, and organ function, as well as urine tests to screen for kidney and other health conditions. Your immunizations will be reviewed and updated as needed, and our team is always available to counsel you on healthy lifestyle habits, including nutrition, exercise, tobacco and alcohol use, and mental well-being.

At Triad Primary Care, your yearly physical exam is a cornerstone of our commitment to your ongoing health and wellness. During your visit, our healthcare providers will begin by taking a thorough medical history—asking about any new symptoms, changes in your health, lifestyle habits, current medications, and family medical history. This allows us to provide care that is personalized to your unique needs.

Your physical examination includes checking vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature. We’ll also assess your weight, height, and calculate your body mass index (BMI) to help monitor your overall health.

A comprehensive, head-to-toe exam will be performed by your provider. This typically includes examining your eyes, ears, nose, and throat; listening to your heart and lungs; checking your abdomen; and evaluating your skin, joints, and neurological function. Depending on your age, sex, and individual risk factors, we may also perform additional assessments, such as breast exams for women or testicular and prostate exams for men.

We also follow current guidelines for adult cancer screenings. Depending on your age and risk factors, this may include Pap smears and HPV testing for cervical cancer, mammograms for breast cancer, and colonoscopy or other colon cancer screening tests for both men and women.

Your immunization records will be reviewed, and we’ll recommend any necessary vaccines to keep you up-to-date and protected. Additional tests or screenings—such as thyroid function tests, vitamin D levels, sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening, or bone density scans—may be discussed as needed based on your personal health profile.

At Triad Primary Care, your annual physical exam is more than just a routine check-up—it’s an important opportunity for us to assess your overall health and catch potential issues early. During your visit, our dedicated providers will review your medical history, discuss any concerns, and perform a thorough physical assessment.

A common question we receive from our patients is whether blood work is included in their annual physical. The answer depends on several factors unique to you, including your age, medical history, lifestyle, and specific risk factors. We often recommend blood tests as part of your annual visit to screen for conditions like high cholesterol, diabetes, anemia, and thyroid disorders. These tests require only a small blood sample, which is sent to our trusted labs for analysis.

However, not every patient needs blood work every year. If you are generally healthy, have no symptoms, and have had normal results in the past, your provider may determine that routine blood work is not necessary at every annual visit. On the other hand, if you have chronic health conditions, a family history of certain diseases, or new symptoms, your provider may recommend blood tests or additional screenings to ensure your continued well-being.

Your health and wellness are our top priorities. During your medical exam, our providers routinely assess important aspects of your health, including cholesterol and glucose levels. Monitoring these values helps us evaluate your risk for conditions such as heart disease and diabetes—two of the most common health concerns in our community.

Cholesterol levels are measured through a simple blood test called a lipid panel, which gives us detailed information about your total cholesterol, LDL (“bad” cholesterol), HDL (“good” cholesterol), and triglycerides. We also check your glucose levels to assess your blood sugar control and screen for diabetes or prediabetes. Depending on your individual health needs, this may be done with a fasting blood glucose test or a hemoglobin A1c test.

At Triad Primary Care, we personalize your care based on your age, medical history, and risk factors. Not every patient needs these tests at every visit, but if you have concerns—or a family history of heart disease or diabetes—we encourage you to discuss them with your provider. We’re here to help you determine which screenings are right for you, and to partner with you in maintaining your best possible health.

An annual physical offers the perfect opportunity to review your overall health and catch potential issues early. At Triad Primary Care, Dr. Michael Dulin conducts thorough evaluations that include vital signs, lab testing, and discussions about nutrition and exercise. His patient-centered approach helps you understand results and plan for a healthier year ahead. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 1309 Lees Chapel Rd., Greensboro, NC 27455. We serve patients from Greensboro NC, Browns Summit NC, McLeansville NC, Oak Ridge NC, Summerfield NC, and surrounding areas.