What Is the Cost of Annual Physical Exam in Phoenix AZ

The cost of an annual physical exam in Phoenix, AZ, varies depending on the specific clinic and whether you have insurance. For those without insurance, the average cash price for a physical exam at an office or urgent care facility in Arizona is approximately $420. This fee typically includes the provider’s visit, a basic physical assessment, and routine lab work like a complete blood count (CBC) and a metabolic panel. Some individual clinics may offer lower cash prices for a basic physical exam, often ranging from $50 to $120, but these rates may not include any lab tests or additional screenings. The total cost can also increase if your provider recommends further tests or services during your visit. It is always a good practice to contact the clinic beforehand to inquire about their self-pay rates and what is specifically included in the cost of an annual physical exam.

Most health insurance plans, particularly those under the Affordable Care Act, are required to cover one annual preventive health exam per year at 100%, meaning there is no copay, coinsurance, or deductible. This is intended to encourage proactive healthcare and early detection of diseases. However, there are important distinctions to be aware of that can affect coverage:

Preventive vs. Diagnostic: This full coverage applies only to preventive services. If your doctor addresses a new or existing medical condition during the same visit (e.g., you discuss a cough, rash, or chronic pain), the visit may be re-coded as a “sick visit,” and you may be charged a copay or coinsurance for that portion of the appointment.

Additional Tests: While the core physical exam is covered, additional tests or screenings recommended by your doctor, such as certain blood tests or procedures, may not be considered fully “preventive” under your plan and could incur separate charges.

In-Network Providers: The full coverage is only guaranteed if you see a healthcare provider who is in your insurance plan’s network. Seeing an out-of-network doctor could result in significant out-of-pocket costs.

It is always recommended to check with your insurance provider directly to understand the specifics of your plan’s coverage for an annual physical.

An annual physical for women is a comprehensive health check-up that includes general health screenings as well as gender-specific examinations. While the general components—like checking vital signs, reviewing medical history, and a head-to-toe physical—are similar to those for men, a woman’s exam often includes a “well-woman” component.

General Health Assessment: This includes measuring height, weight, and blood pressure, as well as checking your heart, lungs, and reflexes. Your doctor will also ask about your lifestyle, diet, exercise habits, and any changes in your health.

Breast Exam: Your doctor will manually check your breasts and underarm areas for any lumps, tenderness, or other abnormalities that could indicate a health issue.

Pelvic Exam and Pap Test: A pelvic exam is a key part of a well-woman check. It allows the doctor to visually and manually check for any signs of disease in the vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, and ovaries. A Pap test, which screens for cervical cancer, is often performed during this exam by collecting a small sample of cells from the cervix.

Screening Recommendations: Depending on your age and risk factors, your doctor will discuss and recommend other screenings, such as mammograms for breast cancer, bone density tests for osteoporosis, and cholesterol or diabetes screenings. This is also a good opportunity to discuss birth control, menstrual cycles, and menopause symptoms.

An annual physical exam for men is designed to assess overall health, address any concerns, and provide preventive care, with a particular focus on male-specific health issues. The exam typically begins with a general health assessment, followed by more targeted screenings.

General Health Assessment: Your doctor will measure your vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature. They will also update your medical history, discuss your lifestyle habits, and check for any general physical abnormalities. This is an opportunity to discuss any concerns you may have, from joint pain to sleep issues.

Male-Specific Screenings: The exam may include a testicular exam to check for lumps or changes in size, which is an important screening for testicular cancer, especially for younger men. A prostate exam, where the doctor feels the prostate gland through the rectum, may also be performed, particularly for men over 50 or those with a family history of prostate cancer.

Hernia Check: A doctor may perform a quick hernia check by asking you to turn your head and cough while they feel for any weakness in the groin area.

Laboratory Tests: Your doctor may order blood work to screen for cholesterol, blood sugar levels, and other markers of health. Based on your age and risk factors, they may also recommend a PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test, a blood test that can help in the early detection of prostate cancer.

Vaccinations and Lifestyle Discussion: The physical is an excellent time to ensure you are up-to-date on all recommended vaccinations and to discuss strategies for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including diet and exercise.

For more information, please contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 6036 North 19th Avenue Suite 502, Phoenix, AZ 85015. We serve patients from Phoenix AZ, Glendale AZ, Scottsdale AZ, Peoria AZ, Tempe AZ, and surrounding areas.