A physical examination—commonly called a “physical”—involves a healthcare provider conducting an annual (or sometimes less frequent) comprehensive health assessment. This includes measuring vital signs, reviewing medical history and current medications, examining your body systematically, and ordering specific blood tests.

When you have a physical scheduled, steering clear of these common mistakes will help you feel relaxed and well-prepared, ensuring a productive and effective appointment.

1. Forgetting Essential Documents and Items

Don’t leave behind important documents or items needed for a smooth appointment, including:

• Health insurance card
• Driver’s license, passport, or government-issued ID
• A list detailing your health conditions and the various specialists treating them. Ideally, include each specialist’s contact details and your most recent appointment dates
• Important medical records (such as recent imaging test reports)
• Eyeglasses or hearing aids if you need them during the visit

Consider bringing a family member or friend to your physical if you’d like. They can help you remember concerns you want to discuss or simply provide emotional support.

2. Consuming Food or Beverages (Besides Water) When Fasting Is Required

Based on factors like your age and existing health conditions, your provider may request various blood tests immediately following your physical.

Certain blood tests—specifically fasting blood sugar and lipid (cholesterol) panels, including triglycerides (a fat type)—require abstaining from all food and drinks (water excepted) for 8 to 12 hours beforehand.

Fasting is necessary because food, beverages, alcohol, and coffee can temporarily elevate blood pressure or heart rate during the physical exam and distort blood test accuracy.

Additional fasting considerations before your physical:

Water: Continue drinking water while fasting, since dehydration complicates blood draws and increases blood concentrations, potentially skewing test results. Encouragingly, one study demonstrated that consuming 300 milliliters (ml) of water—approximately 1.25 cups—one hour before a blood draw doesn’t compromise test accuracy.

Medications: Continue taking your regular medications on physical exam day unless your healthcare provider instructs otherwise.

Timing: If your physical is scheduled for the afternoon, fasting throughout the entire day instead of overnight can prove difficult and potentially hazardous for some people. In these situations, contact your provider’s office to ask about rescheduling your bloodwork for early morning, preferably between 7 and 9 a.m.

Be Ready for a Urine Test

Before arriving, confirm with your provider whether they’ll be collecting a urine sample so you avoid using the restroom right before being asked to provide a specimen.

3. Smoking

Beyond fasting, avoid smoking before your physical to prevent interference with certain blood tests.

Refrain from smoking for 10 to 12 hours to avoid “false” elevations in these blood tests:

• Cholesterol and triglyceride measurements
• White blood cell count (indicating your body’s infection-fighting cells)
• Inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP)

4. Engaging in Vigorous Exercise

Skip intense workouts for 24 hours to prevent:

• Temporary reductions in blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels
• Temporary increases in creatinine kinase levels (a muscle inflammation marker)
• Dehydration, which hampers blood draws and influences various electrolyte and liver function tests

5. Failing to Document Symptoms or Questions

During the days before your physical, jot down anything new or concerning that’s emerged since your last healthcare visit.

Examples include:

• New symptoms or existing ones that have intensified or changed since your previous physical (such as mood shifts, snoring noticed by your partner, or increased infection frequency)
• Notes regarding ongoing health issues—for instance, home blood pressure readings if managing hypertension, or a journal tracking potential triggers if experiencing migraines
• Questions about vitamins, supplements, or over-the-counter medications you’re considering
• General health inquiries, like whether you’re due for vaccinations or cancer screenings

When creating your list—whether in a notebook or on your phone—organize your thoughts, symptoms, or questions from most to least urgent and address the highest priorities immediately at your appointment’s beginning.

6. Neglecting to Bring Your Medication Information

Reviewing all medications you’re currently taking represents a crucial aspect of your physical.

Creating a medication list is most convenient. Include each drug’s name, dosage, and the prescriber or recommender. These might encompass:

• Prescription medications
• Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs
• Vitamins, supplements, or herbal remedies

If time is limited or you forget to compile a list, bringing your medication bottles in a bag to your physical works too. Alternatively, photograph each medication on your phone, capturing dosage and prescriber information.

While reviewing medications, prioritize these points:

• Discuss any unpleasant or bothersome side effects
• Ask your provider about potential drug interactions