Physical exam frequency
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Alternative Names
How often you need a physical exam; Health maintenance visit; Health screening; Checkup
Information
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 to 39
- Health screening - women - age 40 to 64
- Health screening - women - over 65
- Health screening - men - age 18 to 39
- Health screening - men - age 40 to 64
- Health screening - men - over 65
Images
References
Atkins D, Barton M. The periodic health examination. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 15.
Review Date:
4/11/2015
Reviewed 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, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.