Stay healthy and strong with Urgent Care, Primary Care, IV Hydration, and Medical Weight Loss - See All Services
As the year winds down, most of us focus on holiday plans, family gatherings, and tying up loose ends. But there’s one more task that deserves a spot on your year-end checklist: your annual physical exam. An annual physical, or preventive care visit, is a routine medical checkup that gives you and your provider a clear picture of your overall health. Scheduling this visit at the end of the year is more than just convenient; it’s a powerful way to set yourself up for a healthier, more intentional new year.
Continue reading to understand why year-end is the smartest time for an annual physical, what to expect during the visit, and how it prepares you for a healthier year ahead.
One of the biggest reasons people schedule their annual physical in November or December is simple: savings. Many insurance plans reset deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums on January 1.
If you’ve already met your deductible for the year, your preventive health checkup may cost significantly less, or nothing at all. This means year-end is the ideal time to use remaining benefits, complete recommended screenings, and address any lingering health concerns before coverage resets.
While the holidays can be busy, they also come with days off, lighter workloads, and school breaks. This makes it easier to fit in a doctor’s visit without rearranging your entire week.
Many people find it more convenient to schedule a routine medical checkup during this period because they have the time and mental space to focus on themselves.
The end of the year encourages reflection on how you lived, how you felt, and what you want to do better. It’s the perfect moment to evaluate your health behaviors and overall well-being.
An annual physical helps you:
By taking this step now, you enter the new year with clarity, motivation, and a plan.
Wondering what happens during an annual physical? While exams may vary depending on age and health history, most include the following:
Your provider will check:
These simple measurements reveal a lot about your cardiovascular and metabolic health.
Depending on your health profile, your provider may order tests such as:
Lab work is a crucial part of preventive care, catching early signs of conditions like diabetes, anemia, and high cholesterol.
Your provider may recommend screenings based on age, sex, and risk factors, such as:
These screenings help detect problems early, often before symptoms appear.
Your provider will review your:
This helps ensure your care plan is accurate, safe, and up to date.
Finally, you’ll discuss your daily habits, sleep, exercise, stress levels, diet, alcohol use, and tobacco exposure. This conversation helps tailor recommendations for sustainable long-term wellness.
Catching health problems early almost always leads to easier, more affordable treatment. A year-end physical can help you address:
This proactive step can reduce emergency visits and prevent complications.
Your provider can help you create a plan for the coming year, whether your goals include:
It’s also the right time to adjust medications or follow-up schedules.
Winter is the peak season for respiratory viruses. Getting up-to-date vaccinations provides essential protection and lowers the risk of severe illness.
While the holidays bring joy, they can also bring stress. A comprehensive health check reassures you that you’re on the right track, or alerts you to areas that need attention, so you can enter the new year feeling confident and prepared.
To get the best results from your visit:
A little preparation ensures a more productive and meaningful visit.
The best time? Before the year ends, especially if you want to take advantage of deductible savings and holiday flexibility.
But remember, anytime is better than skipping it. Preventive care is one of the most effective long-term health strategies.
Because appointments fill up quickly toward December, it’s a good idea to schedule your visit early.
Closing the year with an annual physical is more than a routine task, it’s an investment in your future self. This simple visit helps you understand your health, set clearer goals, and enter the new year with confidence and peace of mind. Instead of waiting for symptoms or surprises, take charge now. A healthier, stronger, more informed version of you starts with this one smart step.
Don’t let another year slip by without checking in on your health. A quick annual physical can give you clarity, peace of mind, and a strong start to the year ahead, all in one simple visit. At GetWell Urgent Care, we make preventive care easy, thorough, and stress-free, so you can focus on what matters most.
Contact us today and schedule your year-end physical. And step confidently into a healthier new year!
Year-end is ideal because insurance benefits often reset, schedules are more flexible, and it’s a natural time to evaluate your health before starting a new year.
You can expect vital checks, lab tests, preventive screenings, a review of medical history, and a lifestyle assessment to guide long-term health planning and early detection.
Annual physicals identify early signs of chronic conditions, nutritional deficiencies, and underlying issues, allowing timely treatment and lowering the risks of complications later.
Bring your medication list, note symptoms or concerns, review insurance coverage, track lifestyle changes, and arrive fasting if your provider recommends fasting labs.
Completing your physical now maximizes insurance savings, updates vaccinations, reviews health goals, and provides peace of mind during a busy, high-stress holiday season.
