Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Physical Examination?
A primary care doctor, a doctor who gives everyday health care, usually does a physical exam. This may be a family medicine doctor or an internal medicine doctor. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
During a physical examination, a health care provider checks your body to determine if you do or do not have a physical problem. It is one part of a regular checkup. Regular checkups are different from appointments for sickness or injury. A checkup is also called a health maintenance visit or a wellness appointment.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Even if you feel fine, you should still see your health care provider for regular checkups. These visits can help you avoid problems in the future. The purpose of these visits is to:
- Screen for diseases.
- Assess and help reduce the risk of future medical problems.
- Encourage a healthy lifestyle.
- Update vaccinations.
- Maintain a relationship with a provider in case of an illness.
How to prepare
To make the most of your checkup, do these things before you go:
- Review your family health history.
- Find out if you are due for any general screenings or vaccines.
- Make and bring a list of issues and questions you want to talk about.
- Make and bring a list of any medicines, vitamins, and supplements that you take.
What happens during it
A physical examination usually includes the following.
- Inspection, which means looking at the body.
- Palpation, which means feeling the body with fingers or hands.
- Auscultation, which means listening to sounds, usually with a stethoscope.
- Percussion, which means producing sounds, usually by tapping on specific areas of the body.
A checkup also includes preventive care. Preventive care may include screening tests. These are medical tests to check for diseases early, when they may be easier to treat. Which screenings you need depends on your age, sex, overall health, family health history, and risks for certain diseases. It may also include vaccines. Vaccines can improve your health by preventing diseases and other health problems. Your provider may also give advice about your lifestyle. This covers your diet, how much exercise you get, and any alcohol, tobacco, or other substances you may be using.
Recovery
After a checkup, talk with your provider about how often you should have checkups. Health screening recommendations are based on sex and age.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, trouble breathing, fainting, or bleeding that will not stop.
Risks and side effects
Some health problems cause no symptoms at first. High blood sugar and high cholesterol levels may not have any symptoms in the early stages. A simple blood test can check for these conditions. The only way to find out if you have high blood pressure is to have it checked regularly.
Who performs it
A primary care doctor, such as a family medicine or internal medicine doctor, usually does the exam. A health care provider checks your body during the exam.
Common questions
What does a provider do during a physical exam?
A provider looks at your body, which is called inspection. The provider feels your body with fingers or hands, which is called palpation. The provider listens to sounds, usually with a stethoscope. This is called auscultation. Tapping on parts of the body to produce sounds is called percussion.
Do I need a physical exam if I feel fine?
Yes, you should still see your health care provider for regular checkups, even if you feel fine. All adults should visit their provider from time to time.
What should I bring to a checkup?
Bring a list of any medicines, vitamins, and supplements that you take. Also bring a list of issues and questions you want to talk about.
Is a checkup the same as a visit for sickness or injury?
No, regular checkups are different from appointments for sickness or injury.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Physical examination
- MedlinePlus - Physical exam frequency
- MedlinePlus - Health Checkup
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
