Annual Physical in Olympia, WA — What to Expect at Your Yearly Exam

An annual physical — sometimes called a yearly wellness visit or annual checkup — is one of the most important things you can do for your long-term health. It gives your doctor a baseline picture of how you are doing, catches problems before they become serious, and keeps you on track with recommended screenings and vaccines.

Heritage Family Medicine in Olympia, WA offers comprehensive annual physicals for adults of all ages. We are currently accepting new patients throughout Thurston County. To schedule, submit a new patient request online or call us at 360-704-2362.

What Is Included in an Annual Physical?

A thorough annual physical at Heritage Family Medicine typically covers all of the following:

• Vital signs and measurements — blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, height, weight, and BMI
• Head-to-toe physical exam — heart, lungs, abdomen, skin, and musculoskeletal system, plus a review of any new symptoms since your last visit
• Health and medication history — update to your medical, surgical, and family history, current medications and supplements, and lifestyle factors including sleep, diet, exercise, stress, alcohol, and tobacco use
• Preventive screenings — blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose, cancer screenings appropriate for your age (colonoscopy referral, mammogram referral, skin exam, Pap smear, prostate discussion), STI screening when indicated, and bone density discussion for women over 65
• Immunization review — a check of your vaccination history and administration or referral for any recommended vaccines including flu, Tdap, shingles, pneumonia, and COVID-19
• Mental health screening — depression and anxiety screening, with a referral to Healthy Minds Psychiatry available in-house if further evaluation is needed

Your provider will tailor the visit to your age, health history, and individual risk factors — not a one-size-fits-all checklist.

How Is an Annual Physical Different From a Sick Visit?

Many patients only see their doctor when something is wrong. An annual physical is different — it is a scheduled, proactive appointment focused entirely on your overall health and prevention, not a specific illness.

At a sick visit, your provider focuses on diagnosing and treating the immediate problem. At an annual physical, the goal is to identify risk factors before they become conditions, stay current on screenings your age group needs, review and manage any ongoing chronic conditions, and build a relationship with your provider so you are better supported when something does come up. Think of it as maintenance — the same way you would bring a car in for a tune-up before it breaks down.

Do I Need a Referral for an Annual Physical in Olympia, WA?

No referral is needed to schedule an annual physical at Heritage Family Medicine. You can contact us directly as a new or existing patient. Most insurance plans — including Medicare, Medicaid (Apple Health), and most commercial plans — cover annual wellness visits at no cost to you as a preventive benefit. It is worth calling your insurance ahead of time to confirm your specific coverage.

Annual Physical for Adults — What Changes by Age

Preventive care recommendations shift as you get older. In your 20s and 30s, your annual physical will focus on establishing baselines for blood pressure and cholesterol, STI screening based on risk, mental health screening, skin and mole checks, and cervical cancer screening for women. In your 40s, your provider will add more frequent cholesterol and blood pressure monitoring, diabetes screening, a mammogram discussion for women starting at 40, colon cancer screening discussion beginning at 45, and a testosterone conversation for men with symptoms. By your 50s and beyond, visits typically include colonoscopy (if not already done), bone density screening for women, shingles vaccine, hearing and vision checks, and more frequent cardiovascular risk assessment.

Mental Health Is Part of Your Annual Physical

At Heritage Family Medicine, we take a whole-person approach to care. Your annual physical is not just about blood pressure and cholesterol — it includes a mental health check-in as well. We screen for depression and anxiety at every annual visit. If you are struggling or want to explore mental health support further, Healthy Minds Psychiatry is located in the same clinic. Dr. Rajwant Kler, DNP, PMHNP-BC sees patients for anxiety, depression, ADHD, and other mental health concerns — and your primary care provider can coordinate directly with her without the hassle of managing separate practices.

Learn more about Healthy Minds Psychiatry →

Schedule Your Annual Physical in Olympia, WA

Heritage Family Medicine is currently accepting new patients in Olympia, WA. We are located at 4001 Harrison Ave NW Ste 102 — on the west side of Olympia with easy parking and convenient access from Lacey, Tumwater, and surrounding Thurston County. We also offer telehealth annual visits for established patients who prefer a virtual appointment.

Whether you have not had a physical in years or you are new to the area and looking for a primary care provider, we would be glad to see you. Submit a new patient request online or call or text 360-704-2362 to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions — Annual Physical in Olympia, WA

Do you offer annual physicals in Olympia, WA?
Yes. Heritage Family Medicine provides comprehensive annual physicals for adult patients in Olympia, WA and throughout Thurston County. We are currently accepting new patients.

How often should I get an annual physical?
Most adults should have a physical exam at least once a year. If you have chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease, your provider may recommend more frequent check-ins.

Is an annual physical covered by insurance?
Most insurance plans, including Medicare and Apple Health (Medicaid), cover annual wellness visits as a preventive benefit at no out-of-pocket cost. Check with your insurer to confirm your specific plan.

Do I need to fast before my annual physical?
It depends on what labs are ordered. If your provider plans to check fasting glucose or a lipid panel, you will typically be asked to fast for 8 to 12 hours beforehand. We will let you know when you schedule.

What should I bring to my annual physical?
Bring a list of all medications and supplements you take, your insurance card and photo ID, any recent lab results or medical records from previous providers, and a list of any symptoms or concerns you want to discuss.

Do you offer annual physicals via telehealth?
Yes. Heritage Family Medicine offers telehealth appointments for established patients. Some components require an in-person visit, but we can accommodate many patients virtually. Call 360-704-2362 to discuss what is right for you.