When your kids were young, visiting the pediatrician was a no-brainer. Despite complaints about cold stethoscopes and the dread of shots, you always reminded them that "good health is worth a little inconvenience." Plus, the promise of a sticker or lollipop at the end made the experience more enjoyable.
But now that your kids are grown and out of the house, you may find yourself skipping those annual well visits with your doctor. You're not alone—research shows that fewer adults see their doctor regularly, with about 10% fewer adults visiting a medical professional annually compared to children. This trend isn’t surprising. After all, children are growing, developing and reaching key milestones every year. But should adults be checking in on their health just as often as kids? Let’s take a closer look at why adults should prioritize wellness visits as they age.
What are wellness visits for adults?
Wellness visits for adults have evolved over time. These visits, once commonly referred to as "physicals," are now comprehensive health checks aimed at identifying potential health risks before they become serious problems. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, adults should see their primary care physician (PCP) at least once a year. During these visits, your doctor will assess your overall health, discuss any concerns and make recommendations for preventive care.
While the format of wellness visits has changed, their importance hasn’t. These exams allow your doctor to address potential issues that could affect your quality of life later, such as chronic conditions and even cancer.
Key components of an adult wellness visit
A typical wellness visit for adults may include several key steps to ensure you are staying healthy. These may include:
- Adult vaccinations: Staying up to date on vaccines to protect against preventable diseases.
- Age and sex-appropriate screenings: Tests like mammograms, colonoscopies and prostate cancer screenings.
- Mental health evaluations: Depression and memory screenings to detect early signs of mental health concerns.
- Assessing muscle function: Regular check-ups can monitor muscle deterioration as you age.
- Cancer risk assessments: Identifying potential risk factors and early warning signs.
- Creating a living will: Planning for your future health care needs.
- Tailored questionnaires: These help personalize your wellness visit, ensuring that the exam meets your specific needs.
Although wellness visits may seem different from those you experienced as a child, they are just as vital for adults. Regular check-ups ensure that potential health issues are caught early, allowing for timely interventions that can help improve your quality of life.
The role of preventive health
Preventive health is about taking small steps today to avoid bigger health problems down the road. For example, managing cholesterol levels through diet, exercise and medication can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease, saving you both health risks and expensive medical procedures.
One of the major benefits of preventive care is its role in reducing the risk of serious conditions like cancer. For example, screenings and early detection have played a huge part in lowering colorectal cancer deaths over the years. While we’ve seen progress, the need for regular check-ups is still strong. In fact, colorectal cancer continues to affect many people. In 2023, more than 153,000 individuals were diagnosed, and over 52,000 lives were lost to the disease.
Even more concerning is the rise in colorectal cancer among younger adults. More than 19,000 new cases were diagnosed in people under 50 last year, with nearly 3,800 deaths. This emphasizes how important it is to stay on top of wellness visits and screenings, no matter your age.
Wellness visits are your opportunity to benefit from preventive care. If your doctor identifies a potential health concern, they can connect you with specialists who can offer further assessments. Don’t be intimidated by this process—preventive care is your best defense against chronic disease and helps you maintain a healthier, longer life.
How to get started
If you haven’t had a wellness visit recently, it’s time to schedule one. Your first step should be contacting your primary care physician (PCP). Annual visits are typically covered under most private insurance plans and Medicare. However, lab work or additional screenings may not always be fully covered, so it’s a good idea to check with your insurance provider to understand any potential costs.
Remember, regular health check-ups are more important than ever. Many doctors now offer telehealth options, allowing you to consult with your doctor without leaving home. This can make scheduling and attending your wellness visit easier than ever.
Schedule your wellness visit today and take the proactive step toward maintaining your health and well-being as you age.
Need a primary care provider? Schedule a visit with a Banner Health doctor today.
Recommended reading
- Here’s What to Know to Get the Most Out of Your Well-Woman Visits
- 9 Key Preventive Care Screenings Every Woman Needs
- 5 Tips for Easier Visits with Your Doctor
Content in this article was updated on January 27, 2025.
