The Ultimate Guide to Annual Physicals at
The Piedmont Clinic

Think of it as your body’s annual performance check — a simple visit that helps you prevent problems, stay on track, and feel in control of your long-term health.

Why Annual Physicals Matter More Than You Think

Let’s face it — most of us don’t think about the doctor until something’s off. A weird ache. A sleepless week. A test result that makes your heart sink a little.

But your annual physical? That’s not about what’s wrong — it’s about staying right.

This yearly check-in gives your provider the chance to spot subtle changes before they become real problems. Think high blood pressure that hasn’t shown symptoms yet. Or rising blood sugar that could spiral into diabetes. Even signs of heart disease or cancer often show up in lab work long before they knock on your door.

And if everything checks out normal? Great. That peace of mind is priceless.

An annual physical isn’t about fear. It’s about control. And it’s one of the simplest, smartest investments you can make in your long-term health.

When Should You Start Getting Annual Physicals?

If you’re in your 20s or 30s, you might be fine with a checkup every other year — assuming you’re healthy and don’t have any chronic concerns.

But once you hit 40? Annual physicals move from optional to essential. This is the age where risks start stacking — cholesterol, blood pressure, hormonal shifts, metabolism changes. Catching those early makes all the difference.

And if you’re dealing with things like high blood pressure, diabetes, autoimmune conditions, or a strong family history of illness, you’re already in the see-your-doctor-annually category.

The bottom line? If you’re wondering whether it’s time — it probably is.

What Really Happens During an Annual Physical?

The name makes it sound like a five-minute formality, but a good physical is more like a full-system diagnostic — top to bottom, inside and out.

You’ll start with a conversation. Your provider will ask about your health history, any changes you’ve noticed, your stress levels, medications, lifestyle, mental health — nothing too formal, just a guided catch-up that helps set the tone for the rest.

Then come the basics:

Height, weight, blood pressure
Heart rate, oxygen, temperature
Listening to your heart and lungs
Abdominal palpation
A look at your eyes, ears, throat, skin
Reflex tests
For some: breast, pelvic, or prostate exams

But that’s just the surface.

Most annual physicals also include blood work.

In fact, this is where the real value shows up. Your provider may order labs like:

Lipid panel to check your cholesterol
Blood glucose and A1C to screen for diabetes
Thyroid panel to see how your metabolism’s running
Complete blood count (CBC) to rule out anemia or infections
Kidney and liver function tests
Vitamin D, iron, testosterone, or hormone levels based on age or symptoms

These labs sometimes require 8–12 hours of fasting, so you’ll either fast before your appointment or be scheduled to come back for a blood draw, if needed.

Depending on your age, sex, and risk factors, your provider may also screen for things like colon cancer, STIs, or osteoporosis — or update your immunizations.

It sounds like a lot, but it moves fast. Most annual physicals take 30 to 60 minutes from start to finish, depending on how thorough your provider is and what you need that year.

What You’ll Walk Away With

When it’s done, you’ll leave with more than just a bandage on your arm and a summary printout.

You’ll walk away with a snapshot of your current health, a deeper understanding of your body, and a plan. Whether that plan is “keep doing what you’re doing” or “let’s make a few changes,” it’s real data — not guesswork.

You’ll also be building a relationship with your provider. That matters. Because when something does go wrong, it helps to have someone who knows your history, your tendencies, and how to help you stay on track.

How to Prepare for Your Appointment

It’s not complicated, but a little prep goes a long way. Before your visit:

Gather a list of any medications or supplements you take regularly
Write down any symptoms, questions, or concerns — even the little ones
Know your family health history — especially heart disease, cancer, or diabetes
Ask your provider ahead of time if fasting labs are needed
Dress comfortably, and bring a notepad or notes app if you want to jot down info

This ensures your time is spent on care — not playing mental catch-up.

But I Feel Fine… Do I Really Need One?

We get it. You feel good. You’re busy. You’d rather not deal with cold exam tables and lab paperwork.

But here’s the truth:

Most major health issues don’t start with symptoms.

They start with numbers that shift quietly, with warning signs that only show up on a lab result. That’s why people who “felt totally fine” end up blindsided by high blood pressure, prediabetes, or early-stage disease.

An annual physical isn’t about fixing something that’s broken. It’s about making sure nothing breaks in the first place.

What Happens After the Exam?

Usually, you’ll get your results within a few days to a week — depending on the labs. Your provider may call you, send a message through your patient portal, or schedule a quick follow-up to go over everything.

If something’s off, they’ll work with you on next steps — referrals, medication, lifestyle tweaks, or further testing.

And if everything looks great? Awesome. They’ll let you know what to keep an eye on, and you can set your reminder for next year.

Wrapping It Up (Without the White Coat Talk)

Listen — we know annual exams aren’t exactly the highlight of your year. But think of them like a performance tune-up: they keep your engine running, your warning lights off, and your confidence high.

It’s your time to ask questions, reset your health goals, and know where you stand.

So don’t put it off. Don’t wait until something feels off.

Be proactive. Be informed. Be the kind of person who takes care of their future self.

Ready to Book Your Annual Physical?

Our providers at The Piedmont Clinic are here to make the process easy, thorough, and tailored to you.

Let’s make health simple. Let’s get you scheduled.