Annual Health Check: What Your GP Actually Looks For
An annual health check isn't about finding something wrong. It's about establishing a baseline and catching changes early.
What Gets Checked
Blood pressure: High blood pressure has no symptoms until it causes damage. A single reading tells you where you stand.
Weight and BMI: Tracked over time, changes can indicate health issues or lifestyle drift.
Blood tests: Depending on age and risk factors - cholesterol, blood sugar, kidney function, liver function, thyroid.
Medical history review: Changes in family health, new symptoms, medication effectiveness.
Lifestyle discussion: Smoking, alcohol, exercise, diet, sleep, stress. Not a lecture - an assessment.
Age-Specific Screening
Under 40: Basic check-up, blood pressure, lifestyle review. Blood tests if risk factors present.
40-50: Add cholesterol and diabetes screening. Discuss family history of heart disease, cancer.
50+: Bowel cancer screening, prostate discussion (men), bone density consideration (women). More frequent blood pressure checks.
65+: Falls risk assessment, cognitive screening, medication review, vaccination status.
NHS Health Checks (UK)
If you're 40-74 and don't have certain pre-existing conditions, you're eligible for a free NHS Health Check every 5 years. It covers cardiovascular risk assessment.
This is separate from seeing your GP for specific concerns. You can and should do both.
US Preventive Care
Under the ACA, preventive services are covered without cost-sharing. This includes annual wellness visits, screenings, and immunisations. Check your specific plan for details.
What to Bring
- List of current medications (including supplements)
- Family health history updates
- Specific questions or concerns
- Recent test results from other providers
The Appointment Itself
Book a "routine check-up" or "annual physical." These are typically 15-30 minutes. If you have specific concerns, mention them when booking so adequate time is allocated.
Be honest. Your GP has heard everything. They can only help with what they know about.
Add it to your tasks. We'll remind you annually.