Your Annual Physical: What to Expect and How to Prepare

An annual physical is one of the simplest, highest-value things you can do for your long-term health. It's a dedicated hour to step back, review how you're doing, and plan ahead with your primary care doctor. A little preparation turns it from a routine check-in into a genuinely useful conversation.

What usually happens at an annual physical

Every visit is tailored to you, but a wellness exam commonly includes:

• A review of your history — current medications, past conditions, and any family history.
• Vital signs — blood pressure, heart rate, weight, and related measurements.
• A physical exam — a head-to-toe check appropriate to your age and health.
• Screenings and labs — age- and risk-based tests your doctor may recommend.
• A plan — vaccinations if due, lifestyle guidance, and next steps.

How to prepare — a simple checklist

Bring the following, and you'll help your doctor give you the most accurate guidance:

• A current list of medications and supplements, including doses.
• Any symptoms or changes you've noticed, even small ones.
• Your family health history, if you know it.
• Records or results from other providers, if you have them.
• Your insurance information and a photo ID.

Questions worth asking

Your visit is a two-way conversation. Consider asking:

• Are my blood pressure, cholesterol, and other numbers where they should be?
• Which screenings are right for my age and history?
• Am I due for any vaccinations?
• What one change would most improve my health this year?

Write your questions down beforehand. It's easy to forget them in the moment, and no concern is too small to raise.

After your visit

Before you leave, make sure you understand your results, any follow-up tests, and when to return. Keep a copy of your care plan somewhere handy so you can act on it through the year — not just remember it in the parking lot.

Book your annual visit in DFW

At My DFW Doctor, Dr. Vijay Katari (Dr. Katari) offers unhurried annual wellness exams and primary care for adults and seniors in Frisco, McKinney, and across the Dallas–Fort Worth area. Contact us to schedule your physical and start the year with a clear plan for your health.

This article is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Please talk with your physician about your individual health.