Regular checkups: What to expect and how to make them work for you

You probably skip routine visits when you feel fine, but regular checkups catch small problems before they grow. A checkup is a short appointment where your provider reviews your health, updates vaccines, checks blood pressure, and may order simple lab tests. Think of it as a tune-up for your body: quick, preventive, and usually low stress.

Before the visit, gather recent medications, a symptom list, and any questions you want answered. Bring a list of current prescriptions, vitamins, and supplements so the clinician can check for interactions. If you track anything at home — weight, blood pressure, glucose — bring those numbers too. Preparing saves time and makes the visit more useful.

What should you expect? A basic exam, a review of your family and personal health history, and targeted screening based on age, sex, and risk factors. For adults that often means blood pressure checks, cholesterol and glucose tests, and a discussion about diet, exercise, sleep, and mood. For women, screenings may include cervical cancer smears or mammogram referrals; for men, prostate discussions if indicated. Expect brief lifestyle advice and a plan for any follow-up.

How often do you need a checkup? For most healthy adults, once a year is a good rule. People with chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or taking multiple medications may need more frequent visits. Teenagers, older adults, and those with new or worsening symptoms should see their provider more often. Ask your clinician to make a schedule tailored to your health.

Can you use telehealth? Yes. Video checkups handle many routine issues, medication refills, and mental health check-ins. Telehealth works best when no hands-on exam is needed. If your clinician needs lab work or a physical exam, they will schedule an in-person follow-up.

Paying for checkups: Preventive visits are often covered by insurance, but coverage varies. Call your insurer or clinic to confirm which tests are included. If cost is a concern, ask your provider which screenings are essential now and which can wait, or look for sliding-scale community clinics.

Red flags to bring up during a checkup include new chest pain, unexplained weight loss, sudden mood changes, shortness of breath, or persistent pain. Don't wait for a scheduled annual visit if new serious symptoms appear.

Keep records: Ask for a summary of the visit, lab results, and any new prescriptions. Store them in one folder or use a health app so you can track changes over time. That history makes future visits faster and safer.

If you juggle multiple specialists, bring a list of appointments and test dates so your primary clinician can coordinate care. Ask for copies of specialist reports or upload them to your clinic portal. Coordination reduces duplicate tests and saves money.

Small steps during a regular checkup — a question asked, a lab ordered, a vaccine given — often prevent bigger problems later. Make regular checkups a habit; your future self will thank you.