A physical exam is a check-up where a doctor reviews your health history and examines you. The goal is to find health problems early and keep your care up to date. It is also called a check-up or a periodic health visit.
A physical usually has two parts: a conversation about your health, and a hands-on exam. Your doctor may also suggest tests, based on your age and health history.
What happens during a physical exam
Most physicals follow the same pattern. Your doctor adjusts it to your age, sex and health history.
- Health history. Your current symptoms, medicines, past illnesses and surgeries, and health problems that run in your family.
- Vital signs. Blood pressure, heart rate and weight, and sometimes temperature.
- Heart and lungs. The doctor listens with a stethoscope.
- Belly (abdomen). Gentle pressing to check for tenderness or anything unusual.
- Eyes, ears, nose, throat and skin. A quick look.
- Reflexes and nerves. Simple checks of reflexes, strength and balance.
- Other checks only if you need them, based on your age, sex and health history.
Nothing is done without your consent. You can ask your doctor to explain any part of the exam, or to skip it. If something needs a closer look, your doctor may order tests or refer you to a specialist.
Blood work and other tests
Tests are chosen for you, not taken from a fixed list. Depending on your age, health and family history, your doctor may suggest tests such as a cholesterol test or a blood sugar test. Not everyone needs blood work at every physical. Some blood tests need fasting, and your doctor will tell you if yours do.
How long does a physical take?
A full physical may take about 30 to 60 minutes. It depends on how much health history there is to cover, which checks you need, and whether a form has to be filled in.
How often should you get a physical?
For healthy adults with no symptoms and no major risk factors, Canada’s family doctors do not recommend a full head-to-toe physical every year. Regular preventive care still matters. Your doctor can tell you which screening tests and vaccines you need for your age and health, and how often to come back.
You may need to be seen more often if you:
- have a long-term condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure or asthma
- take medicines that need regular checks
- are pregnant
- have new symptoms or a change in your health (do not wait for a check-up)
Babies and young children also have regular check-ups to follow their growth and development.
Types of physicals, and which ones OHIP covers
OHIP covers medically necessary doctor visits for eligible Ontario residents. A visit for your own health, such as a preventive visit your doctor recommends, is usually covered. OHIP coverage for a routine yearly physical for healthy adults is limited.
A physical that someone else asks for is not covered by OHIP. These include:
- Physicals with a form for work, school, sports, volunteering or insurance
- MTO driver’s medicals for an Ontario driver’s licence (Ministry of Transportation)
- Immigration medical exams, which only a doctor approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (a panel physician) can do
If you are not sure whether your physical is covered, please ask us about any fees when you book.
Learn more: Full Physical Examination in Toronto, Physicals and Preventive Health Assessments in Toronto, Driver’s Full Physical Test in Toronto and Immigration Medical Exams in Toronto: What to Expect.
How to prepare for a physical
- Bring your health card and any form that needs to be filled in.
- List your medicines, including vitamins and supplements.
- Note any allergies, past surgeries and health problems that run in your family.
- Write down your symptoms and questions, so the visit covers what matters to you.
- Wear clothes that make it easy to check your blood pressure, such as a short-sleeved or loose top.
Getting a physical at Cloud Care Clinics
Cloud Care Clinics is at 55 Dundas St E in downtown Toronto, just east of Yonge Street. Patients registered at our clinic can book online, and anyone can request an appointment. For a step-by-step look at a full physical at our clinic, read What to Expect During a Full Physical Examination in Toronto.
Looking for a family doctor? New patients can join our waitlist, and we will contact you when a doctor becomes available.
Frequently asked questions
Is a physical the same as a check-up?
Yes, in most cases. “Physical”, “check-up” and “periodic health visit” usually mean the same kind of visit. A “full physical” often means a complete exam, for example for a form.
Do I need to fast before a physical?
Only if your doctor orders a blood test that needs fasting. You will be told when the test is ordered.
Can I get a physical without a family doctor?
Yes. You do not need a family doctor to get a physical or to have a form filled in. When you request an appointment, tell us what the physical is for.
Is a yearly physical covered by OHIP?
OHIP covers medically necessary doctor visits for eligible Ontario residents, but coverage for a routine yearly physical for healthy adults is limited. Physicals for an employer, school, sports team, insurer or driver’s licence are not covered by OHIP.
This article is general information, not a substitute for advice from your own doctor. In a medical emergency, call 911.
Source: Choosing Wisely Canada, family medicine recommendations from the College of Family Physicians of Canada: “Don’t do annual physical exams on asymptomatic adults with no significant risk factors.”
