POST DETAILS (copy each into its field) Title: Annual Physicals in Woodbridge, VA: What's Included Slug: annual-physical-woodbridge-va Description: What an annual physical includes, how to prepare, and how insurance covers it. Physicals for adults at Anna Health Woodbridge. Category: Family Medicine Tags: family medicine, annual physical, preventive care, Woodbridge Cover image alt text: Anna Health family medicine provider checking a patient's blood pressure (adjust to match the image) Author: Dr. Gonzalez (add on the Authors page first) Visibility: Listed
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An annual physical is one of the simplest ways to keep track of your health from year to year. It is a chance to review your history, catch changes early, and stay current on screenings and vaccines. This guide explains what is typically included in an annual physical, how to prepare, and how insurance usually covers it, with details for patients at Anna Health's family medicine office in Woodbridge, VA.
What Is an Annual Physical?
An annual physical, also called a wellness visit or preventive visit, is a yearly check-up with your primary care doctor when you are not sick. The goal is prevention: understanding your current health, looking for early signs of common conditions, and planning what screenings or changes make sense for your age and history.
What's Included in an Annual Physical
Every physical is tailored to the patient, but most include the following.
Health history review
Your doctor will ask about any changes since your last visit, current medications and supplements, family history, sleep, diet, exercise, alcohol and tobacco use, and how you are feeling overall.
Vital signs
Blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, height, and weight are checked and compared with past results.
Physical exam
A general exam often includes listening to your heart and lungs, checking your ears, nose, and throat, feeling the abdomen, and looking at your skin.
Screenings based on age and risk
Your doctor will review which screenings are due. Depending on your age, sex, and history, that may include cholesterol and blood sugar checks, blood pressure monitoring, cancer screenings, and others.
Vaccine review
Your doctor will check whether you are due for routine vaccines, such as a seasonal flu shot or a Tdap booster, and let you know where to get them. Flu and Tdap vaccines are currently available at our Reston office.
Lab work
Bloodwork is often ordered as part of a physical. At Anna Health Woodbridge, Labcorp is in the suite next door (Suite 201), so you can usually have labs drawn immediately after your appointment.
How to Prepare for Your Physical
- Ask about fasting. Some blood tests are more accurate after fasting. Ask the office when you book whether you should skip breakfast.
- Bring a medication list. Include prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements, with doses.
- Write down questions. A short list keeps the visit focused on what matters to you.
- Know your family history. Conditions in parents and siblings can affect which screenings your doctor recommends.
- Bring past records. If you are new to the practice, recent lab results or records from your previous doctor are helpful.
How Insurance Covers Annual Physicals
Most insurance plans cover one preventive visit per year with no copay. One detail surprises many patients: if you bring up a new problem during your physical, such as a new pain or a symptom you want evaluated, your doctor may need to address it as a separate, problem-focused service. Depending on your plan, that part of the visit may be billed separately and subject to a copay or deductible.
If you have several concerns to discuss, ask whether it makes sense to schedule a separate visit for them. Your insurance company can also tell you exactly what your plan covers.
Annual Physicals at Anna Health Woodbridge
Our Woodbridge family medicine office serves patients across Prince William County, including Woodbridge, Lake Ridge, Dale City, Occoquan, and Lorton. Our team offers:
- Annual physicals and wellness visits for adults
- Same-day visits when you are sick
- Telehealth appointments for follow-ups and reviewing results
- Convenient lab work at Labcorp, next door in Suite 201
To schedule a physical, call our family medicine line at (571) 786-1492. Anna Health also offers family medicine in Reston, Tysons, and on Arlington Boulevard in Fairfax; see all family medicine locations here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an annual physical take?
Plan on 30 to 60 minutes. A first visit with a new doctor tends to run longer because it includes a full health history.
Do I need a physical every year?
For most adults, a yearly wellness visit is a good way to stay current on screenings and track changes over time. Your doctor may recommend a different schedule based on your age and health.
Is a physical the same as a gynecology exam?
No. An annual physical is a general wellness visit with your primary care doctor. A well-woman visit with a gynecologist focuses on reproductive and breast health and may include a Pap test. Some patients see both. At Anna Health, our OB/GYN team provides well-woman care alongside our family medicine offices.
Can I get my labs done the same day as my physical in Woodbridge?
Usually, yes. Labcorp is in the suite next door to our Woodbridge office (Suite 201), which makes it easy to have bloodwork drawn right after your appointment. If your tests require fasting, schedule a morning appointment.
