Taking care of our health is one of the most important things we can do, yet physical exams often get overlooked in the hustle of daily life. A physical is more than just a routine check-up, it’s a proactive step towards a healthier, longer life. During a physical, your doctor will assess your current health status, review medical history, and identify potential health risks.
Benefits
Early Detection: Many serious health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease develop gradually, often without noticeable symptoms in the early stages. A yearly physical helps detect these issue early, when they are most treatable, minimizing the risk of complications down the road.
Preventative care: Annual physicals include essential screenings for cholesterol, blood sugar, cancer markers, and other conditions based on your age, gender and health history. Colonoscopies and mammograms ar examples of proactive checks that save lives by catching disease early! This is also a time to get any necessary vaccinations, such as flu shots or tetanus boosters, to keep you protected through out the year
Health monitoring: You and your doctor can keep track of your vital stats like blood pressure, weight, cholesterol to ensure you’re staying on track with your health goals.
Setting health goals: Your doctor can help you set realistic, achievable health goals, such as increasing physical activity, or quitting smoking. Having annual check-ins on your progress is motivating and ensures you are supported every step of the way!
Cost Savings in the long run: Studies show that preventive care, like annual physicals, reduces the risk of costly hospitalizations and emergency visits, especially for chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. This not only benefits your health but reduces overall healthcare costs.
Average Cost without insurance
The national average cost for an annual physical without insurance in the United States generally ranges from $150 to $300, depending on factors such as location, clinic type, and the specific services included (i.e. blood tests, or additional screenings). Some clinics or urgent care facilities may offer lower-cost options starting at $100, while more comprehensive checkups at private practices can exceed $300.
For those without insurance, community health clinics and certain retail pharmacies sometimes offer discounted rates, especially during specific times of the year, to increase access to preventative care. Additionally, free or low-cost options may be available through nonprofit organizations or community health events.
What kind of major health insurance doesn’t cover it, if any?
For many individuals with insurance, an annual physical is either fully covered or available at minimal cost. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), most health insurance plans are required to cover preventative services, including annual check-ups, at no cost to the patient. This means you can receive a comprehensive evaluation of your health without worrying about additional expenses!
However, Short-Term Health Insurance Plans may be a case where coverage for annual physicals may vary. This type of plan offers limited coverage for a short duration. It’s usually intended as a temporary solution for people facing a gap in coverage such as between jobs, or waiting for a new insurance plan to start. They are not ACA compliant and typically do not cover preventative services like annual physicals.
Overcoming Fear & Anxiety Around Annual Physicals
Sometimes the biggest barrier to getting a physical isn’t financial or logistical, it’s emotional. Many people hesitate to get a physical due to fears about potential bad news, anxiety about the unknown or past negative experiences. If this resonates with you, you are not alone. Shifting the mindset from seeing a physical as a task to seeing it as self-care, can help reframe the experience. Remember, this is an opportunity to take charge of your health and that most health issues are easier to manage when caught early. Better yet, a yearly check-up gives you the chance to receive valuable guidance on lifestyle factors and healthy habits that help reduce disease risk.
Taking the first step to schedule a physical may be the hardest part, but remember: your health is worth it!
The Health Cost of Skipping a Physical: Your health is your greatest asset, and taking time for a yearly physical is one of the best ways to protect it. By staying on top of your health with regular checkups, you’re investing in a longer, healthier, and more fulfilling life. If you have any further questions, concerns, or would like more information on what to expect during a physical, especially if you’re feeling anxious, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Allied Wellness Health Coach. They’re here to support you and provide guidance.
By: Allied Wellness Health Coach & Dietitian Cassandra Valle
References:
–5 Reasons Why Annual Physical Exams Are Important. https://www.virtua.org/articles/your-annual-physical-and-why-its-important.
-Musich, Shirley, et al. “The Impact of Personalized Preventive Care on Health Care Quality, Utilization, and Expenditures.” Population Health Management, vol. 19, no. 6, Dec. 2016, p. 389. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, https://doi.org/10.1089/pop.2015.0171.
-Abramson, Ashley. “How Much Is a Physical Without Insurance? – Guides.” The Paper Gown, 13 Sept. 2022, https://www.zocdoc.com/blog/how-much-is-a-physical-without-insurance/.
-Short-Term Health Insurance Plan: What Is It & What Does It Cover? | eHealth. https://www.ehealthinsurance.com/resources/short-term/short-term-health-plan-what-is-it-and-what-does-it-cover.
