Annual health checkup

What's inside

1. Choose your checkup format

   A program through your insurer or employer is usually free but runs on its own schedule and test list. A paid checkup is faster and more flexible. Pick what fits this year.

2. Confirm what's included in the price

   Checkup packages vary — some tests may be billed separately. Confirm this when booking so there's no surprise at checkout.

3. Book the appointment and set a yearly reminder

   Book ahead — the good morning slots fill up fast. Set a yearly recurring reminder right away: 'someday' rarely comes on its own.

4. Confirm test prep rules

   Fasting or not, water allowed or not, whether to skip meds that morning — labs vary. Ask when you book, not on the day itself.

5. Bring your ID and insurance card

   Without them, the front desk may not process your visit or apply your covered rate. Check the night before, not on the way there.

6. Gather last year's results

   Trends matter more than a single number — your doctor needs something to compare against. Bring printouts or a link to your lab's patient portal.

7. Write down concerns and questions in advance

   Half your prepared questions tend to vanish once you're in the room. A list on your phone fixes that in five minutes.

8. Recall your family medical history

   What conditions your parents and close relatives had — this usually comes up early in the visit. Refresh your memory beforehand instead of guessing on the spot.

9. List medications and supplements you take

   Include anything you take 'just in case' — supplements and vitamins affect lab results and prescriptions too.

10. Book a separate dentist visit

    Dental care usually isn't part of a general checkup. Book it separately every six months — easy to forget otherwise.

11. Get your vision checked

    Especially important if you drive a lot or spend hours at a screen — sharpness fades gradually enough that you won't notice it yourself.

12. Ask your doctor which vaccines are due

    Adults have their own booster schedule. Ask at the visit what's due for you — the decision and schedule are always your doctor's call.

13. Discuss screenings relevant to your age and sex

    Certain screenings become relevant after a certain age. Which ones and how often is a call your doctor makes for you individually — ask at the visit.

14. File all results in one place

    Paper copies in a folder, digital ones in a cloud folder labeled by year. Future you will be grateful when hunting for last year's numbers.

15. Turn your doctor's recommendations into tasks

    Whatever your doctor recommended — put it into a task list with dates, not just 'I'll remember.' It's less likely to get lost in a week.

16. Set follow-up reminders in your calendar

    A repeat test in 3 months, a follow-up check in six — specific calendar dates work; 'sometime later' doesn't.