Annual Physical Exam Checklist by Age: What You Shouldn’t Miss

Oct 2

An annual physical exam is one of the best ways to protect your long-term health. Yearly checkups allow providers to track important milestones, catch issues early, and keep you feeling your best at every age. Since health needs change throughout life, physical exams should be tailored to your stage, whether you’re a parent bringing in a toddler, a teen navigating new changes, or an older adult managing chronic conditions.

At Nest Health, we make staying on top of preventive care easier by bringing full-family primary care right to your home.

📞 If you've been contacted by Nest or your health plan, or think you and your family might be eligible, call us today at 866-222-NEST (6378).

Why Annual Physical Exams Matter at Every Age

Annual physicals are more than routine check-ins. They:

Detect diseases early, when treatment is most effective.
Track growth, development, and risk factors.
Provide guidance on nutrition, sleep, stress, and healthy habits.
Help manage chronic conditions before they become serious.

Health priorities change over time—from monitoring developmental milestones in kids, to reproductive health in adults, to cancer and heart disease screenings later in life. Regular exams ensure your care stays relevant to your age and health needs.

👉 Learn more about coverage options in our guide: How to Apply for Medicaid.

Annual Physical Exam Checklist for Children (0–12 Years)

For children, regular well-child visits set the foundation for lifelong health. A pediatric physical typically includes:

Height, weight, and developmental screenings
Vision and hearing tests
Age-appropriate immunizations (following CDC guidelines)

At-home visits with Nest Health make these appointments more convenient, saving parents time and reducing stress.

Physical Exam Checklist for Adolescents (13–18 Years)

Adolescence is a critical stage for physical, emotional, and social health. Key parts of a teen’s physical include:

Growth and puberty monitoring
Mental health screenings for anxiety, depression, or stress
Preventive counseling on nutrition, sleep, substance use, and sexual health

A trusted provider relationship matters. Nest Health offers continuity of care, building a safe space for teens to ask questions and receive support.

Annual Physical Exam Checklist for Adults (19–39 Years)

Even young adults in good health benefit from yearly checkups. Providers focus on:

Blood pressure, BMI, and cholesterol checks
Skin and reproductive health exams
Mental health assessments
Lifestyle counseling on exercise, diet, alcohol, and smoking

Consistency is key. Nest Health’s flexible in-home model helps busy adults keep preventive care on track.

Full Physical Exam Checklist for Middle-Aged Adults (40–64 Years)

As health risks increase with age, physical exams expand to include:

Cancer screenings (breast, colon, cervical, prostate)
Diabetes, thyroid, and cardiovascular testing
Immunizations like flu, shingles, and pneumococcal vaccines

Nest Health supports this stage of life by coordinating physical, mental, and social care—helping families age with confidence.

Physical Exam Checklist for Seniors (65+ Years)

For older adults, annual physicals emphasize maintaining independence and quality of life. Providers focus on:

Fall risk and mobility assessments
Vision, hearing, and cognitive screenings
Medication management and chronic condition monitoring
Vaccinations for flu, pneumonia, shingles, and COVID-19

Nest Health’s whole-family approach ensures seniors and caregivers get support in the home, without the stress of frequent clinic visits.

How to Prepare for Your Physical Exam at Any Age

A little preparation makes your annual checkup more effective. Bring:

A list of medications, supplements, and dosages
Recent symptoms or concerns you’ve noticed
Family medical history and past test results
Willingness to discuss lifestyle habits openly

Nest Health providers guide families through each step, helping reduce anxiety and ensure no important details are missed.

👉 For more guidance, read: Questions to Ask During a Physical.

Get Whole-Family Preventive Care with Nest Health

With Nest Health, you don’t need multiple appointments across different clinics. We bring primary care for the whole family, medical, behavioral, and social support, straight to your home.