A comprehensive preventive health visit, often called a "physical", 
should be performed yearly from ages 2 and above (below that see the infant schedule).
Regular periodic screening is important because of the rapid changes that occur during growth. Often, for teenagers, a physical is required before entrance into sports. A complete evaluation involves much more than just listening to the heart and lungs. An office visit for this can take 30 to 45 minutes, even though you may only be with your health care provider (the doctor or nurse practitioner) for only 10 – 20 minutes total.
Everything that happens when you walk into the office helps your provider to get a complete picture of your health. First, parents (and teenagers) will be given a history form to complete that includes a history of health, activities, and potential health risk factors.
Screening: screening includes an assessment of height, weight, blood pressure, vision, and hearing.
Laboratory: laboratory tests of blood and urine may be done to screen for common medical problems such as anemia. Your doctor or nurse practitioner will review this information before he or she ever enters the room. We screen for hypertension, scoliosis, and obesity
Examination: Your provider will examine the eyes, ears, nose, throat, mouth, heart, lungs, muscles, abdomen, back, legs, arms, and general body condition. In addition, the physician/nurse practitioner will complete an assessment of growth and evaluate pubertal changes, including breast and testicular exams for adolescents. A brief breast and genitalia exam is necessary for Tanner staging which is required on the PE form. Teens may request a chaperone to be in the exam room. For teenagers, it is often easiest to wear or bring with you gym shorts and a t-shirt to wear for the exam.
Immunizations: immunizations will be given if needed, to prevent diseases such as tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, meningitis and hepatitis.
Guidance: health guidance will be offered for any problems or concerns identified.
Please Remember - that arriving on time for your appointment allows the staff to have all of the information ready for your provider when s/he comes into the room. Teens should arrive 10 – 15 minutes before their scheduled time to complete the health history form.
