What is a Routine Physical?

A routine physical, often referred to as an annual wellness visit, is a comprehensive preventive exam meant for checking a patient's general health status. The goal is to prevent future health issues by identifying risk factors or early signs of diseases, ensuring that vaccines are up to date, and promoting a healthy lifestyle.

Major insurances in the United States typically cover routine physicals or annual wellness visits as part of preventive care benefits, recognizing the importance of preventive care in maintaining health and reducing the risk of serious health conditions. This coverage often comes without any copayment, coinsurance, or deductible being required, as long as the service is provided by an in-network provider and fits the insurer's criteria for preventive care.

It's important for patients to understand that while the routine physical itself is covered, additional services performed during the visit (such as evaluation of new problems, management of chronic problems, performing specific tests or procedures that may be recommended based on findings during the examination) might not be covered under the preventive care benefit. These additional services may be billed separately and could be subject to copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.