Why Preventive Care Deserves Its Own Annual Review

Preventive care — routine visits, screenings, and vaccinations designed to catch or prevent problems before symptoms appear — is consistently linked to better long-term health outcomes. Yet surveys repeatedly show that a large share of American adults skip at least one recommended preventive service each year, often because of time, cost concerns, or simply not knowing what applies to them.

This checklist is designed to close that gap. It covers the categories of care most adults should consider discussing with their healthcare provider at least once a year. It is not a substitute for personalized medical guidance — your provider will help you determine which items apply to your specific age, sex, family history, and health status.

For a broader view of how preventive priorities shift across your lifetime, see our life-stage preventive health roadmap. If you want a focused look at screenings organized by age and biological sex, our recommended health screenings reference is a useful companion resource.

Primary Care & Physical Exam

Schedule an annual wellness visit with your primary care provider to review your overall health status and update your medical history. Must
Have your blood pressure checked at least once a year — more often if readings have been elevated or your provider recommends it. Must
Request a fasting blood glucose or HbA1c test if you are at risk for type 2 diabetes or have not been screened recently. Should
Ask your provider to review your current medications, supplements, and any potential interactions during your visit. Must

Screenings & Lab Work

Discuss a lipid panel (cholesterol test) with your provider; frequency depends on your age, cardiovascular risk, and previous results. Must
Confirm whether cancer screenings — such as colorectal, cervical, breast, or skin cancer checks — are due based on your age and risk profile. Must
Ask about STI screenings if applicable; recommendations vary by age, sexual activity, and individual risk factors. Should
For adults 50 and older, discuss bone density screening (DEXA scan) especially if risk factors such as low body weight or family history are present. Should

Vaccinations

Confirm you are current on your annual influenza (flu) vaccine, recommended for most adults each fall by the CDC. Must
Verify your Tdap or Td booster status — a Td booster is recommended every 10 years for adults who have completed the primary series. Must
Ask your provider whether you need COVID-19 vaccine updates based on current public health guidance. Should
Discuss age-appropriate vaccines such as shingles (Shingrix, typically for adults 50+) or pneumococcal vaccines for those 65+ or at higher risk. Should

Dental & Vision

Schedule at least one dental cleaning and examination per year; many providers recommend twice-yearly visits depending on your oral health. Must
Have an eye exam at least every one to two years — annually if you wear corrective lenses or have a history of eye conditions. Should
Ask your dentist to screen for oral cancer during your routine exam, particularly if you use tobacco or alcohol. Should

Mental Health & Lifestyle Review

Ask your primary care provider about depression and anxiety screening — brief questionnaires are a routine part of many wellness visits. Must
Discuss your current sleep patterns, stress levels, and any recent major life changes that may be affecting your well-being. Should
Review your physical activity level and discuss any barriers to regular movement with your provider or care team. Should
If you use tobacco, alcohol, or other substances, bring it up with your provider — evidence-based cessation or reduction support is widely available. Should

Insurance & Administrative

Review your health insurance plan during open enrollment to confirm that your preferred providers and preventive services remain covered. Must
Update your emergency contacts and healthcare proxy (medical power of attorney) documentation if your situation has changed. Nice to have

Tools and Resources to Help You Prepare

Having the right information on hand before your appointments makes every visit more productive. The items below help you gather records, confirm coverage, and walk in prepared.

Required

Personal Health Record or Health App

Stores your medical history, vaccination dates, lab results, and medication list in one place for easy reference at appointments.

Required

Insurance Member Portal

Lets you confirm which preventive services are covered at no cost under your current plan before scheduling.

Required

CDC Vaccine Schedule (Adult Immunization Schedule)

Provides the publicly available, up-to-date vaccination recommendations for adults by age and health condition.

Optional

Family Health History Document

Summarizes first-degree relatives' health conditions, helping your provider identify elevated risk for hereditary conditions.

Optional

Blood Pressure Log or Home Monitor

Tracks readings between appointments so your provider has a broader picture than a single in-office measurement.

Before your annual physical, it's worth reviewing what to document ahead of time. Our guide on tracking what to bring before your appointment walks through the key numbers and symptom patterns worth noting.

Preventive Screenings Are Not One-Size-Fits-All

The frequency and type of screenings that apply to you depend heavily on your age, biological sex, personal and family medical history, and lifestyle factors. Not every item on this checklist will be relevant to every adult. Use this list as a starting point for conversation with your provider — not as a self-diagnosis or self-prescription tool.

Coverage Rules for Preventive Services Vary

Under the Affordable Care Act, many preventive services are covered without cost-sharing when received from an in-network provider. However, coverage details depend on your specific plan, insurer, and the clinical context of the visit. A visit can shift from "preventive" to "diagnostic" based on what is discussed, affecting your out-of-pocket costs. Review your plan details or our annual health insurance review checklist before your appointment.

This article provides general health information for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your individual health needs and before making any changes to your care.