An annual checkup (also called a wellness exam or annual physical) is a comprehensive preventive visit in which a physician reviews your history, assesses your vitals, orders age-appropriate labs, and builds a personalized health plan. At Viva Medical Center in Doral, our annual exams go beyond just checking your blood pressure. Our physicians take the time to understand your history, your lifestyle, and your goals, then build a health plan that actually fits your life. The exam itself takes 45–60 minutes, labs are drawn the same day at our in-house Quest Diagnostics station, and results are reviewed within 3–5 business days. We accept most major insurance plans — including the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit — and for patients without coverage, transparent self-pay options start at $45.
What's Included in an Annual Wellness Exam
Every annual visit is tailored to your age, history, and risk profile — never a one-size-fits-all checklist. A typical visit at our Doral clinic includes:
- Full head-to-toe physical examination (15–20 min)
- Vital signs — blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate
- Body Mass Index (BMI) and body composition assessment
- Basic hearing and vision screening
- Age-appropriate bloodwork — CBC, metabolic panel, lipids, HbA1c, and more
- Immunization and vaccination review — CDC adult schedule updated annually
- Personal and family health history review
- Lifestyle counseling — nutrition, sleep, exercise, and stress
- Preventive screenings per USPSTF recommendations — colorectal (age 45+), breast, cervical, prostate, and abdominal aortic aneurysm where applicable
Why Your Annual Exam Matters More Than You Think
The biggest health threats are silent. Per the CDC (2024), about 1 in 3 US adults has high blood pressure, and nearly half do not know it. Type 2 diabetes affects roughly 1 in 10 adults, with more than 8 million cases still undiagnosed. Catching them early changes outcomes in a real way. Regular annual exams also:
- Build a baseline health record so changes over time don't go unnoticed
- Keep your preventive screenings and vaccinations current per USPSTF and CDC guidelines
- Give you a dedicated space to bring up concerns you've been pushing aside
- Help your doctor know you before a crisis — not during one
What to Expect During Your Annual Visit in Doral
Typical patient flow in our Doral office, from check-in to discharge, is 60–75 minutes. Here is what happens:
- Check-in and vitals (10 min) — collected by our medical assistant
- Physical exam and vitals — complete head-to-toe assessment with the physician (20–25 min)
- Same-day bloodwork at our in-house Quest Diagnostics station (15–20 min, fasting)
- Review of past illnesses, surgeries, medications, and family health history
- Personalized wellness plan discussion — actionable, realistic, and tailored to you (10–15 min)
- Referrals to specialists when needed — same network, no wasted time
- Lab results uploaded to your patient portal within 3–5 business days with follow-up notes
Who Should Come In for a Wellness Exam
- Adults 18 and older — establish your health baseline early
- Patients managing chronic conditions — diabetes, heart disease, thyroid disorders
- Anyone with a family history of cancer, heart disease, or hereditary illness
- People who haven't seen a doctor in over a year and want to reset
- Seniors — bone density, cognitive health, fall risk, and chronic disease management
- Medicare beneficiaries eligible for the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit (free once per year)
- Patients preparing for surgery, travel, or major life changes
Exams Tailored to Every Life Stage (USPSTF-Guided)
We customize every visit based on US Preventive Services Task Force recommendations (USPSTF 2024) and your specific life stage — not just your age on a form:
- Young adults (18–35) — anemia, hormonal imbalances, STI screening (USPSTF Grade A for chlamydia/gonorrhea in women ≤24), mental wellness, contraception
- Middle-aged adults (35–55) — cardiovascular risk, diabetes screening (USPSTF: prediabetes from age 35 with overweight), colonoscopy or stool testing starting at 45, biennial mammography from age 40
- Seniors (55+) — bone density (DEXA for women age 65+), cognitive health, fall prevention, polypharmacy review, abdominal aortic aneurysm screening for men 65–75 who ever smoked
- Gender-specific care — PSA and prostate health for men (shared decision 50–69), pelvic and breast health for women, Pap smear every 3–5 years per age
Insurance Coverage & the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit
Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), most insurance plans must cover annual wellness visits with no cost sharing. This includes preventive services rated A or B by the USPSTF. If you have Medicare, you are also entitled to a separate Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) each calendar year (CMS), which focuses on preventive planning rather than the full physical exam.
- Most major insurance plans accepted — Medicare Advantage, Oscar, Aetna, Cigna PPO, Humana, and more
- Medicare Annual Wellness Visit billed separately from the comprehensive physical when applicable
- Self-pay options from $45 — transparent, no surprise fees
- Bilingual staff — English and Spanish for the entire visit
- Convenient location in Doral — serving Fontainebleau, Sweetwater, West Miami, and beyond
- Flexible scheduling with minimal wait times (under 12 minutes on average)
What Happens If We Find Something
A common concern is: what if the labs or exam turn up something? Short answer — we stay with you. If a screening picks up an abnormal value (for example, an elevated HbA1c, high LDL, or a palpable nodule), our physician will personally call you to walk through next steps. If additional imaging, a biopsy, or a specialist referral is needed, we coordinate the appointment and securely share your record with the specialist via health information exchange. You never get a result and get left alone.
Sources
- USPSTF Recommendations for Preventive Services (2024) — U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
- CDC Adult Immunization Schedule (2024) — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Medicare Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) — Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
- Facts About Hypertension — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in an annual physical exam?
A comprehensive annual physical at Viva Medical Center includes a full head-to-toe physical examination, review of your medical history, vital signs (blood pressure, weight, BMI), cardiovascular assessment, and a complete lab panel (CBC, metabolic panel, lipids, HbA1c, thyroid, and more). We also coordinate age-appropriate cancer screenings per USPSTF guidelines and immunization updates per the CDC adult schedule. The visit itself runs 45–60 minutes in the office.
How long does an annual physical exam take?
The exam itself takes 45–60 minutes with the physician. If you are fasting for bloodwork, plan for 60–75 minutes total — this includes check-in, vitals, the physical exam, blood draw at our in-house Quest Diagnostics station, and the wellness-plan review. Lab results are uploaded to your patient portal within 3–5 business days.
Will labs be drawn the same day?
Yes. We have an in-house Quest Diagnostics station at our Doral office, so bloodwork is drawn the same day — no separate trip required. A typical draw takes 10–15 minutes. Results are uploaded to your patient portal in 3–5 business days, and our physician will personally reach out if any value needs follow-up.
Do you accept Medicare Annual Wellness Visits?
Yes. We accept the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit (AWV), which is available once per calendar year at no cost to you (CMS). The AWV focuses on preventive planning, medication review, and risk assessment. If you also want a comprehensive physical with labs, we can bill that separately per Medicare guidelines. Call us to confirm your eligibility.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Bring a photo ID, your insurance card, a list of current medications (including supplements and vitamins), relevant prior medical records if available, and a list of questions or concerns. If you are fasting for bloodwork, bring water and a snack for after. If you have an at-home blood pressure monitor, bring your recent readings.
Do I need to fast?
Yes, fasting for 8–12 hours before your appointment is required for accurate cholesterol, blood glucose, and metabolic panel results. Water and essential medications are permitted (including blood pressure medications). We will confirm fasting requirements when you schedule. If you have diabetes and take insulin, call us so we can coordinate the right timing.
What if you find something during my exam?
If a screening picks up an abnormal value — like an elevated HbA1c, high LDL, or a palpable nodule — our physician will personally call you to walk through next steps. If additional imaging, a biopsy, or a specialist referral is needed, we coordinate the appointment and securely share your record with the specialist via health information exchange. You never get a result and get left alone.
How often should I get a physical exam?
Adults should have a comprehensive physical exam at least once per year. Patients with chronic conditions (diabetes, hypertension, heart disease) or those over 50 benefit from more frequent visits — often every 3–6 months for management check-ins. Our physicians will recommend a schedule based on your individual health profile and USPSTF guidelines.
Does health insurance cover annual checkups?
Yes. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010, most private insurance plans cover annual wellness visits at no cost to you (no copay, no deductible) when the services are USPSTF-rated A or B. Medicare covers a separate Annual Wellness Visit each calendar year. Contact your insurance to confirm your benefits, or call us and we can verify for you.