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CostHelper > Health & Personal Care  > Medical Specialties & Departments > Annual Physical

Annual Physical Cost

How Much Does an Annual Physical Cost?
 
average costWith Health Insurance: $10-$50 Copay or 10%-50% Coinsurancehigh costWithout Health Insurance: $50-$200+

An annual physical is a routine checkup typically administered by a family or general practitioner or general internist. Though it is one of the most common reasons why adults see a doctor, a 2007 analysis in the Archives of Internal Medicine[1] suggested that, for healthy men and women, the costs of the visits outweigh the benefits, since most preventive screenings and counseling occur at other points in the year. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics does recommend that children and young people[2] age three to 21 receive a checkup annually. Children and toddlers under 3 typically require more frequent visits.

Typical costs:

  • An annual physical is typically covered by health insurers, many of which offer it for free. Most CIGNA health plans[3] , for example, cover the entire cost of the exam. The primary factor driving cost is time spent to both see the physician and use the facility.
  • Patients who are covered by health insurance, but are not entitled to a free visit under their plan, face a copay of $10 -$50 or more, or coinsurance of 10%-50% or more. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality[4] , the national average for copays is about $19. Patients covered by United One[5] can expect a $35 copay, while those with CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield[6] can expect a $25 copay.
  • For patients without health insurance, an annual physical typically costs $50-$200 or more. According to The Medical Expenditure Panel Survey[7] , a set of large-scale surveys on the use and cost of health services conducted by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the average price of an office visit for an uninsured patient is $199. For example, in Minnesota's Park Nicollet Health Services hospital system, patients can expect to pay from $169 for an infant's physical to $222 for a senior's physical.
Related articles: Blood Pressure Monitor, Blood Tests, Biopsy, Hearing Test, Eye Exam

What should be included:
  • Annual physicals, according to the Archives of Internal Medicine analysis, last an average of 23.1 minutes. But how individual doctors structure that time can vary a great deal.
  • The National Library of Medicine[8] says an annual physical for an adult may include cholesterol and blood pressure screenings, vaccinations, testicular or prostate exam for men, and a breast exam for women. Doctors also frequently provide weight-loss or other lifestyle counseling.
  • A child's annual visit[9] will typically focus on whether the child is meeting developmental milestones and includes evaluations of height, weight and blood pressure. The doctor may also address the child's diet, exercise habits and sleep patterns, and administer recommended vaccines.
Additional costs:
  • The Affordable Care Act[10] , signed into law in 2010, calls for health insurers to cover certain preventive screenings and services, which patients might receive during a physical, such as blood pressure and cholesterol tests, routine vaccinations, and mammograms, at no additional cost to the patient. However, "grandfathered" plans, or plans that existed before the act was passed in 2010, are exempt from many of the requirements. Moreover, additional testing and services received during the annual physical may not be covered, depending on the insurance plan.
  • The American Academy of Family Physicians [11] recommends that patients read their insurance policy before the exam, so they'll know what their insurance company will pay for before they receive a service or get tested.
Discounts:
  • For patients without health insurance, walk-in clinics, a mainstay for corporations like CVS and Walmart, offer services at significantly cheaper costs. Walmart's Get Well Stay Well visits[12] , which include some preventive and routine health services such as cholesterol and blood pressure screenings, cost $65 or less. CVS's MinuteClinics, which are staffed by nurse practitioners and physician assistants, offer physicals for adults and children for $59.
  • Children, teens and their parents may qualify for no-cost or low-cost health insurance coverage through Medicaid[13] and the Children's Health Insurance Program [14] which covers doctor visits and vaccinations. The federal government's Vaccines for Children program[15] , as well as patient assistance programs run by major pharmaceutical companies such as Merck[16] and GlaxoSmithKline[17] also help eligible patients get free vaccines.
  • Some hospitals and doctors offer discounts or special programs for uninsured patients. For example, in Sutter Health's hospital network[18] in Northern California, low-income uninsured patients may qualify to receive free care, and mid-income uninsured patients are billed at rates lower than those charged to private insurance companies.
Shopping for an annual physical:
  • The AAP has a referral tool to help parents locate pediatricians near them at no cost. And, though the American Medical Association cannot recommend individual physicians, it does have a DoctorFinder[19] tool to help patients search for physicians by name, location or specialty for free.
Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
 
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments
Physical
Amount: $110.00
Posted by: a user in Sarasota, FL.Posted: October 22nd, 2020 07:10AM
Doctor/Medical Center: Immediate careInsurance Carrier: N/A
I needed a physical for my job. I had to wait almost 3hours before my visit. All I needed was a form to be filled.
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Establish care and partial physical
Amount: $500.00
Posted by: B N in Santa Rosa, CA.Posted: March 12th, 2020 04:03PM
Doctor/Medical Center: Sutter Pacific MedicalInsurance Carrier: No coverage for this appointment
Partial physical for healthy 18 year old with no medical history who takes no perscriptions. I have paid less out of pocket for stitches. Did not do any blood work, ekg, tb or tests of any kind. Just the basics: heart rate, ask some questions, how many serving of vegetables do you eat...check eyes, hernia, turn your head and cough...
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Annual physical taking three bites out of the same apple
Amount: $350.00
Posted by: ER Duffy in Jacksonville Beach, FL.Posted: August 20th, 2019 12:08PM
Doctor/Medical Center: Beaches Primary CareInsurance Carrier: United Healthcare
I went for my annual physical. Not only did they charge $375.00 to my insurance company, they tried to charge me an extra $433.00!!! (99214 level 4 whatever that is) I complained and they revised it and I got away with only paying $150.00 woot-toot!! All in all I ended up paying out of pocket $350.00 because some of my blood work was NOT covered by my annual physical. I should mention that my annual physical is 100% covered. I would really like it if doctors were to give an estimate to those who are in their care. It's really all about the billies, no joke.
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Annual physical cost
Amount: $625.00
Posted by: bunny3 in Johns Creek, GA.Posted: May 24th, 2019 02:05PM
Doctor/Medical Center: Dr. Rajender Singh, MDInsurance Carrier: N/A
This included a Dr's visit and followup plus limited panel bloodwork and EKG without insurance.
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Annual Physical
Amount: $720.00
Posted by: John Sanook in Bangkok, Other.Posted: March 14th, 2019 06:03PM
Doctor/Medical Center: Bumrungrad Hospital, Bangkok ThailandInsurance Carrier: Cigna Global
I got my physical here in Thailand it is extremely comprehensive: Full blood test, PSA, eye screening, EKG, chest X-ray, hearing, ultrasounds all organs, running stress test, physicians visits etc, all inclusive.
The facilities are world class, and most prices are available on line or with a short email inquiry.
Take a vacation and get your physical at the same time.
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annual physical
Amount: $160.00
Posted by: a user in los alamitos, CA.Posted: November 1st, 2018 09:11AM
Doctor/Medical Center: Insurance Carrier: bcbs
annual physical, did routine check, I ask about some cancer screenings, did some blood work, went back a week later. told me I was fine. they charged the bcbs $1600, ($1275 for blood work and $325 for office visit), me I had to pay 160 of that. Before I went I got an estimate to me it was free. Before you go and when your there: ask ask ask....then ask again; how much is this?
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2 year old well child check
Amount: $193.00
Posted by: StacieLauren in Phoenix, AZ.Posted: October 9th, 2017 12:10PM
Doctor/Medical Center: Desert canyon pediatricsInsurance Carrier: Cash pay
No shots needed. Finger poke and physical exam. Saw doctor for 10 minutes; no additional problems.
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Annual Physical Exam
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: [email protected] in Portland, OR.Posted: August 30th, 2017 09:08PM
Doctor/Medical Center: AFC Urgent CareInsurance Carrier: Regence Blue
I'm pretty sure under the ACA, if you have insurance, you can see a physician for an annual checkup or "wellness visit", at least once every year for free.
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Kaye
Amount: $300.30
Posted by: Karen Smith in Bourne, MA.Posted: April 1st, 2017 10:04AM
Doctor/Medical Center: PmgassociatesInsurance Carrier: None
Thought this was a little expensive
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Need mandate to post charges on internet
Amount: $1.00
Posted by: Reginald 2 in Portland, OR.Posted: March 22nd, 2017 11:03PM
I did not get an exam, but why is it so difficult for lawmakers to force medical services providers to post charges for typical procedures on the internet so we can shop around? Is this a difficult concept?
Mr. T says our gubmint has been run by I d I o ts - I think he's correct.
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Annual physical
Amount: $376.00
Posted by: Charl777 in Bedford, NH.Posted: February 3rd, 2017 12:02PM
Doctor/Medical Center: Dartmouth Hitchcock.. dr. OngInsurance Carrier: None
I find this an outrageous amount of money to charge for a physical examination. I also had blood work done a few days later at another Dartmouth Hitchcock Center and they charged me $496
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Charged a co-payment for annual physical
Amount: $20.00
Posted by: Clara in Franklin, VA.Posted: September 25th, 2016 03:09AM
Doctor/Medical Center: Nurse PractitionerInsurance Carrier: Anthems
I was charged this year, last year there was no charge.
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Pediatric Annual Physical
Amount: $200.00
Posted by: Anon Parent in Jacksonville, FL.Posted: September 19th, 2016 11:09AM
Doctor/Medical Center: Pediatric Assoc, of Jacksonville/ Dr.OInsurance Carrier: none
Annual Physical for twin 4 year olds $200 each child. Only one had blood drawn for CBC. Way overpriced either way. Wish it wasn't mandatory to have a physical within a year of school entrance.
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My physical costed $ 621.00 at Affinity Clinic
Amount: $621.89
Posted by: Finding Loop Wholes. Rich get Richer in Neenah, WI.Posted: May 19th, 2016 12:05PM
Doctor/Medical Center: AffinityInsurance Carrier: Allied /Aetna
I called Affinity Clinic in Neenah for I could not believe all the cost that went towards my deductible and not considered my physical. If thy talked to you about a preexisting condition, like what medication are you on and how are you doing, it then is no longer a physical so you get charged $ 225.00 for a office visit instead of a physical. You get a very small discount for your blood work. My total bill was $ 836.00 which they paid $ 215.00. I thought I had a physical. We basically only talked. Listened to hear, check breast only in office for about 30 minutes. He left came back and told me he was leaving the clinic and moving to Milwaukee area. I will no longer do physicals.
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It Supposed to be free - but what i got in mail....
Amount: $100.00
Posted by: pulseps bob in Elmwood Park, NJ.Posted: January 22nd, 2016 05:01AM
Doctor/Medical Center: 0Insurance Carrier: 100
I have Empire Blue Cross insurance and i paid $240 a week! for family. i thought yearly physical is free and no cost to me. but guess what i got bill from blood work after deduction and discount with my insurance i need to pay $100.40 that is insane.
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annusl physical exam
Amount: $1,100.00
Posted by: bobby singh in west desmines, IA.Posted: January 15th, 2016 05:01AM
Doctor/Medical Center: iowa unity pointInsurance Carrier: coventsry
I am sr citizen and went for annual exam. Doctor spent less than 5 minutes . I did not take any clothes off either. I spent 30 minutes to fill in stupid papers. Wripp off
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Wellness visit
Amount: $1,000.00
Posted by: [email protected] in Salem, MA.Posted: December 23rd, 2015 05:12AM
Doctor/Medical Center: North shore physicians groupInsurance Carrier: Medicare and united health care
My dad had 1 wellness visit in FL and was charged 1000 for following wellness visit in ma. They were in 2015. In ma north shore physicians group sent robo call reminder that was due for a wellness visit. I think this is excessive since he was there for 5 minutes and no lab work or additional services/procedures were performed.
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Cheaper physicals
Amount: $50.00
Posted by: Mike McNeary in Upper Arlington, OH.Posted: June 24th, 2015 09:06AM
Doctor/Medical Center: The Little ClinicInsurance Carrier: none
I don't have insurance and needed a physical for work. The Little Clinic costed $50, which was significantly cheaper than a family doctor. The Nurse Practitioner spent over 20 minutes with me and was very thorough. Just food for thought next time you are thinking about where to get a physical from.
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annual physical
Amount: $1,071.00
Posted by: El in Billings, MT.Posted: February 9th, 2015 05:02PM
Doctor/Medical Center: billings clinicInsurance Carrier: medicare & hunana
Is this cost a little high for a 15 min with the doctor & blood work
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Overpriced
Amount: $788.60
Posted by: Anonymously Chosen in Santa Monica, CA.Posted: November 25th, 2014 10:11PM
Doctor/Medical Center: Vigil AnastacioInsurance Carrier: none
I paid for a CBC with diff,Comprehensive metabolic Panel,Lipid Panel,TSH with REFLEX FT4 FT3.Along with a Tdap immunization shot.
Other than the price for 4 tests, a shot, and a physical check I am pretty fine with what I got.I was expecting maybe the $500 area but the first $628 went beyond my expectations.The 160 for the shot caught me by surprise.I knew the shot cost about 100 but didn't know the handling of the shot would cost nearly the same as the shot.
I knew not having health insurance makes healthcare in general extremely expensive.I just wasn't expecting it to be THAT expensive.
Would have cost me 30% more if they did not do a sliding scale discount for me.If I knew it would have cost me THAT much I would have held off for awhile til I got some basic health insurance that I have now.I got the physical because I wanted it and I paid for it.I blame myself for being too quick.I chose this doctor because family members used him.
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Annual Physical - Excesive Cost
Amount: $481.00
Posted by: Mireya Linares in Reedley, CA.Posted: October 7th, 2014 08:10AM
Doctor/Medical Center: Reedley Community Care ClinicInsurance Carrier: United Health
I went to my annual physical, at same time my company was updated our medical insurance, however, even I told the nurse "Do not do any test that is not cover my insurance" and "I don't need a Thyroidal test, it was done last year". 2 months later I got the bill for all the lab test she order which do not qualify as Preventive Care. Same reason my Insurance is refuse to paid 100% of the bill because they were not preventive care. The clinic refused to change the order, because they don't know the what qualify and what not.
My problems are 2 things: a) A nurse decided the test to run, and I don't have the right to said Not, she selected without my acknowledge.
b)The Clinic made sign a letter where I am responsible for all the extra costs that it is not cover by my insurance, otherwise I don't get service, but the letter never give the choose to preapprove tests done or to verify if I can afforded it.
Thank you for reading this, I hope help others.
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External Resources:
  1.  archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=486857
  2.  www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/health-management/Pages/Well-Child-Car...
  3.  www.cigna.com/customer_care/healthcare_professional/medical/pdf/807467_d_Preventiv...
  4.  meps.ahrq.gov/mepsweb/data_files/publications/st209/stat209.pdf
  5.  www.ehealthinsurance.com/health-insurance-companies/united-healthcare-maryland/ben...
  6.  www.ehealthinsurance.com/health-insurance-companies/carefirst-bcbs-virginia/benefi...
  7.  meps.ahrq.gov/mepsweb/data_files/publications/st318/stat318.shtml
  8.  www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002125.htm
  9.  www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/health-management/Pages/Routine-Doctor...
  10.  www.healthcare.gov/law/features/rights/preventive-care/index.html
  11.  familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/healthcare-management/insurance-bills/health-insu...
  12.  www.walmart.com/cp/Walmart-Clinics/1078904
  13.  www.insurekidsnow.gov/medicaid/index.html
  14.  www.insurekidsnow.gov/chip/index.html
  15.  www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/vfc/parents/default.htm
  16.  www.merck.com/index.html
  17.  www.gskforyou.com/
  18.  www.sutterhealth.org/about/ab_uninsured.html
  19.  /extapps.ama-assn.org/doctorfinder/recaptcha.jsp
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