Annual Physicals, Sports Physicals, and Wellness Exams
WHAT IS A PHYSICAL EXAM?
A physical exam is a routine medical examination where your doctor evaluates your overall health through a comprehensive physical assessment. During this examination, your physician checks vital signs, reviews your medical history, performs various screenings, and identifies potential health concerns before they become serious problems.
Think of your annual physical as preventive maintenance for your body. You change your car's oil regularly to prevent engine damage. Annual physicals are important for the same reason—catching small issues before they turn into major health problems.
The primary care provider performs a complete physical examination of major body systems. They check your heart, lungs, abdomen, neurological function, and more. Lab work screens for conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, and kidney problems. Additional screenings depend on your age, gender, and health history.
Most insurance plans cover annual wellness exams completely. You pay nothing out of pocket for this preventive care. There's really no reason to skip it when it's free and could save your life.
Why Regular Physical Exams Matter:
Scheduling regular physical exams establishes your baseline health. When your doctor sees you every year, they notice small changes that might indicate developing problems. That slight increase in blood pressure. Those blood sugar numbers creeping up. Weight gain that's happening gradually.
These patterns are invisible to you because they happen slowly. But your primary care physician tracking your health over years can spot trends and intervene early. Early intervention almost always means better outcomes and easier treatment.
TYPES OF PHYSICAL EXAMS WE OFFER
Annual Physical Examinations
The annual physical examination is your yearly health check performed by your primary care provider. This comprehensive annual physical exam includes a complete review of your health status, screening for common diseases, and planning for preventive care.
During your annual wellness exam, expect vital signs measurement including blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and weight. A complete physical examination of your body systems. Review of current medications and supplements. Discussion of your health concerns and questions. Lab tests including complete blood count, metabolic panel, and cholesterol screening.
Your doctor also reviews age-appropriate screening like mammograms, colonoscopy, bone density testing, and prostate exams. They'll discuss vaccination needs including flu shots, pneumonia vaccines, and shingles vaccines. Health counseling covers nutrition, exercise, stress management, and sleep habits.
Most insurance plans cover annual wellness exams with no copay as part of preventive care. This is one appointment you should never skip. Schedule your annual physical at least once a year, more often if you have chronic health conditions.
Sports Physicals
Sports physicals in Katy help student-athletes participate in sports safely. Schools require these examinations before allowing kids to play sports on school teams. The sports season often starts in late summer, so schedule your sports physical in June or July to beat the rush.
A sports physical examination focuses on whether it's safe for your child to participate in their chosen sport. The physician checks heart health since undetected heart conditions can be dangerous during intense physical activity. They assess muscle strength, flexibility, and joint function. Vision and neurological function get evaluated. Past injuries are reviewed to ensure they've healed properly.
The doctor also reviews your child's health history looking for conditions like asthma, diabetes, or seizures that need special management during athletic activities. They'll clear your child for sports or recommend accommodations if needed.
Schedule sports physicals well before the season starts. Waiting until the last minute means if any issues are found, there's no time to address them before practices begin. Give yourself at least a month of buffer time.
DOT Physical Exams
A DOT physical is required for commercial drivers who operate vehicles requiring a commercial driver's license. The Department of Transportation mandates this specialized physical examination to ensure drivers are healthy enough to safely operate large vehicles.
DOT physical exams in Katy, TX evaluate vision and hearing. Blood pressure and heart health get carefully assessed since cardiovascular problems can be dangerous while driving. Diabetes screening and management review. Neurological function testing. Musculoskeletal examination to ensure you can safely handle vehicle controls.
The physician completes a DOT medical examiner's certificate if you pass. This certificate is valid for up to 24 months, though drivers with certain conditions may need more frequent exams. Bring your current medications list and any documentation of controlled medical conditions.
A DOT physical near me search brings many options, but you want an experienced provider who understands DOT requirements. Our physicians are certified to perform DOT physical exams for commercial drivers throughout the Houston area.
Pre-Employment Physicals
Many jobs require a physical exam before you start work. Pre-employment physicals verify you're healthy enough to perform job duties safely. Requirements vary by employer and job type, so bring any specific forms your employer provided.
These examinations typically include vital signs, basic physical examination, drug screening if required, and verification you can perform physical job requirements. Some employers require specific tests like hearing exams, vision tests, or lifting capacity assessments.
General Physical Examinations
Need a general physical for any reason? We provide comprehensive physical examinations for patients of all ages. Whether you need documentation for insurance, licensing, or personal peace of mind, we perform thorough physical assessments.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR ANNUAL PHYSICAL
Your Appointment From Start to Finish
Before your appointment, complete any paperwork online to save time. Bring your insurance card, photo ID, list of current medications including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, and any health questions you want to discuss.
When you arrive, check in with our front desk. You'll update your personal and family health history if anything has changed since last year. New medications, surgeries, or family members diagnosed with serious conditions all get documented.
The medical assistant brings you back and measures your vital signs. Height and weight. Blood pressure. Heart rate and breathing rate. Temperature. These baseline measurements track changes over time and identify immediate concerns.
Your physician joins you to review your medical history and current health concerns. This is your chance to discuss anything bothering you. Fatigue, pain, digestive issues, mood changes, sleep problems—now's the time to mention it. No concern is too small to bring up during your annual wellness examination.
The physical examination itself covers all major body systems. Your doctor listens to your heart and lungs. Palpates your abdomen checking for organ enlargement or masses. Checks reflexes and neurological function. Examines skin for concerning moles or lesions. Men over 50 may receive prostate screening. Women need breast exams and pelvic exams during separate women's health visits.
Lab work gets ordered based on your age and risk factors. Blood draws check cholesterol, blood sugar, kidney function, liver function, and complete blood count. Urinalysis screens for diabetes, kidney problems, and infections. Some patients need additional screenings like EKG or thyroid testing.
Your doctor discusses findings and creates a health plan. If everything looks good, great—keep doing what you're doing. If issues are identified, you'll discuss treatment options. Medications might get adjusted. Referrals to specialists get made if needed. Follow-up appointments get scheduled.
You leave with a clear understanding of your health status and next steps. Any prescriptions get sent electronically to your pharmacy. Test results come back within days, and we'll contact you with findings and any needed actions.
WHY ANNUAL PHYSICALS ARE IMPORTANT
The Value of Regular Check-Ups
Many health conditions develop silently without obvious symptoms. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, early cancers—you feel fine while these problems quietly damage your body. Only a health check catches them early.
Early detection almost always means easier treatment and better outcomes. Type 2 diabetes caught in the prediabetes stage can often be reversed with lifestyle changes. Caught years later when you're already on multiple medications? Much harder to manage.
High blood pressure is called the "silent killer" for a reason. You can't feel it. But left untreated, it leads to heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure. A simple blood pressure check during your annual physical can literally save your life.
Cancer screening saves thousands of lives every year. Colonoscopy catches colon cancer early when it's 90% treatable. Mammograms find breast cancer before you can feel a lump. Regular screening based on your age and risk factors is part of every comprehensive care plan.
Establishing baseline health measurements gives you and your doctor reference points for the future. When your blood sugar is 95 every year then suddenly jumps to 115, your doctor investigates why. Without those historical measurements, that 115 might look fine when it actually indicates you're developing a problem.
Your annual physical also provides an opportunity to discuss health concerns you've been ignoring. That back pain that won't go away. Feeling more tired than usual. Trouble sleeping. Stress that's affecting your life. Many people don't seek care until things are really bad. The annual exam gives you a designated time to address these issues before they become crises.
SERVING KATY FROM OUR KATY LOCATION
Convenient Care for West Houston Families
Core Primary Care is located in Katy at 707 S Fry Blvd Suite 350, serving Katy and the surrounding West Houston area. Many Katy families choose us because we provide patient-centered care that larger urgent care chains can't match.
You see the same physician year after year. They remember you, your health history, your concerns from last visit. This continuity matters. When you get a physical in Katy at some walk-in clinic, you'll see whoever's working that day. Next year, someone different. No one really knows you.
Our comprehensive care approach means we handle everything. Annual physicals. Sports physicals. Chronic disease management. Acute illness. Preventive care. You don't need five different doctors for five different things. Your primary care team coordinates everything.
We offer convenient care through extended hours and same-day appointments when you're sick. Online scheduling lets you book your appointment when it works for you, even at midnight. No more calling during lunch break hoping someone answers.
Most insurance plans accepted including Medicare and major carriers. We verify benefits before your visit so you know what to expect. No surprise bills weeks later.
HOW TO SCHEDULE YOUR PHYSICAL EXAM
Getting Your Appointment Set Up
Scheduling your annual physical with Core Primary Care is simple. Call our office at (713) 636-2621 during business hours. Our staff will find a convenient appointment time and answer any questions about what to bring or prepare.
Prefer to schedule an appointment online? Visit our booking page any time day or night. Choose your appointment type, select an available time slot, and confirm your booking. You'll receive confirmation and reminders via email and text.
New patients are welcome. We're accepting new patients from Katy and throughout the Greater Houston area. If you're establishing care with us for the first time, arrive 15 minutes early to complete paperwork. Or fill it out online before your visit to save time.
Bring your insurance card, photo ID, current medications list, and any specific health concerns you want to discuss. If your insurance requires referrals for certain services, obtain those before your appointment.
Can't make your scheduled time? Let us know as soon as possible so we can offer the slot to another patient. We'll happily reschedule you for a more convenient time.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Common Questions About Physical Exams
How often should I get a physical?
Most adults need an annual physical examination every year. If you have chronic health conditions like diabetes or heart disease, you may need check-ups every 3-6 months. Your primary care specialist will recommend the right frequency based on your health needs. Even if you feel fine, annual exams are important for preventive screening.
What's the difference between a physical and a wellness exam?
The terms are often used interchangeably. Both refer to comprehensive examinations evaluating your overall health and well-being. Insurance companies sometimes call them "wellness exams" because they're preventive care. Either way, you're getting the same thorough health check.
Will my insurance cover my physical?
Most insurance plans cover annual wellness exams at 100% with no copay as part of preventive care under the Affordable Care Act. This includes Medicare. However, if your doctor addresses sick complaints or chronic conditions during the same visit, you might have a copay for that portion. Verify your specific benefits when scheduling.
Do I need to fast before my physical?
If your lab work includes cholesterol or glucose testing, fasting for 8-12 hours gives the most accurate results. Drink water, but avoid food, coffee, and other beverages. Not all physicals require fasting, so ask when you schedule. If you take morning medications, ask whether to take them before your appointment.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Bring your insurance card and photo ID. A list of current medications including dosages. Any medical records from other providers. Questions or health concerns written down so you don't forget them. If you're getting a sports physical, bring required school forms.
How long does a physical exam take?
A comprehensive physical examination typically takes 30-45 minutes. Sports physicals may be shorter at 20-30 minutes. If you have multiple health concerns to discuss or need extensive screening, your appointment might run longer. We don't rush—you get the time you need.
Can I get my physical and DOT physical at the same time?
DOT physical exams have specific requirements that differ from routine annual physicals. While there's some overlap, they're separate examinations. If you need both, schedule them separately to ensure each is properly completed. Your physician can discuss whether combining certain elements is appropriate.
Do you perform sports physicals for multiple kids at once?
Yes. If you have several children who need sports physicals, we can often schedule them back-to-back on the same day. This saves you multiple trips. Call our office to arrange group scheduling for your family.
What if my physical finds something wrong?
If screening tests or examination reveal health concerns, your doctor will discuss findings with you right away. Depending on the issue, you might need medication, lifestyle changes, additional testing, or referral to a specialist. Most problems found during routine screening are manageable, especially when caught early.
Can I schedule other appointments during my physical?
Your annual physical focuses on preventive care and overall health screening. If you have specific acute problems or chronic conditions needing attention, mention them during your physical. Your doctor may address minor concerns during the same visit or recommend scheduling a separate appointment for complex issues.