Physical exam frequency

All adults should visit their health care provider from time to time, even if they are healthy. The purpose of these visits is to:

• Screen for diseases
• Assess risk of future medical problems
• Encourage a healthy lifestyle
• Update vaccinations
• Maintain a relationship with a health care provider in case of an illness

For recommendations for men and women by age group, see:

• Health screening - women - age 18 - 39
• Health screening - women - age 40 - 64
• Health screening - women - over 65
• Health screening - men - age 18 - 39
• Health screening - men - age 40 - 64
• Health screening - men - over 65

Alternative Names

How often you need a physical exam; Health maintenance visit; Health screening; Checkup

References

Atkins D, Barton M. The periodic health examination. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 14.

Update Date: 5/16/2012

Updated by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director and Director of Didactic Curriculum, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc.

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Physical exam frequency

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• Health screening - men - age 18 - 39
• Health screening - men - age 40 - 64
• Health screening - men age 65 and older
• Health screening - women - age 18 - 39
• Health screening - women - age 40 - 64
• Health screening - women - over 65

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