What Doctors Look For at Annual Checkups and Why

Here's why it's worth taking one day a year to check in with your doctor.

It can be tempting to skip routine checkups when you feel fine. But these annual visits do more than just confirm that you're healthy right now. They give doctors a chance to catch small changes in your health early, help prevent future problems and keep your health on track. So even when you feel well, making time for this once-a-year visit is worthwhile.

Here's what doctors typically look for during annual checkups and why these visits are an important part of staying healthier:

• Updates to your health history. Doctors start by asking about changes since your last visit. This includes new symptoms, medications, stress levels, sleep habits and family health history. These details help doctors understand what may be affecting your health now and what risks to watch for going forward.
• Vital signs. Blood pressure, heart rate, weight and sometimes oxygen levels are checked at annual visits. These numbers provide a snapshot of how your body is functioning. High blood pressure or gradual weight gain can raise the risk of heart disease, stroke and other conditions if left unchecked.
• A physical exam. During the exam, doctors listen to your heart and lungs, look in your eyes, ears and throat and check your abdomen and skin. These steps can uncover issues like irregular heartbeats, breathing problems, thyroid changes or skin conditions that you may not notice on your own.
• Preventive screenings based on your age and risk. Annual checkups often include or lead to screenings such as cholesterol checks or blood sugar testing. These screenings help detect conditions like diabetes or high cholesterol early, when lifestyle changes or treatment can be most effective.
• Review of vaccines and preventive care. Doctors use annual visits to make sure you're up to date on recommended vaccines. They may also discuss screenings for cancer, bone health or other age-related concerns. Staying current on preventive care helps reduce the risk of serious illness later on.
• Conversations about daily habits. Diet, physical activity, sleep, stress and use of tobacco or alcohol are common topics discussed during annual checkups. These conversations are meant to support you, not judge you. Small changes in daily habits can have a big impact on long-term health and doctors can offer guidance that fits your lifestyle.
• Monitoring of chronic conditions. For people with conditions like high blood pressure, asthma or arthritis, annual visits help track how well these issues are being managed. Even if symptoms feel stable, regular check-ins can prevent complications and keep treatment plans up to date.
• Building a long-term relationship with your doctor. Seeing the same provider each year helps them understand what is normal for you. This makes it easier to notice changes early and address concerns before they become bigger problems.

Many serious conditions develop slowly, and by the time symptoms appear, treatment may be complicated. Skipping annual checkups means it's more likely you'll miss the chance to catch health issues early, when they're often easier to manage.

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Date Last Reviewed: December 18, 2025

Editorial Review: Andrea Cohen, Editorial Director, Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Contact Editor

Medical Review: Perry Pitkow, MD

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