An annual physical is a scheduled preventive appointment focused on finding problems before they produce symptoms. Unlike a sick visit, which addresses one complaint, the annual exam evaluates your whole health picture and updates your risk profile for the conditions most likely to affect you.
Service overview
Annual Physical Exam in Miami, FL
An annual physical exam in Miami, FL with Lisette Portes, MD is a comprehensive preventive visit including vital signs, a head-to-toe examination, blood work, cardiovascular risk assessment, cancer screening review, and immunization updates. Most insurance plans and Medicare cover one preventive exam per year at no cost. Offices in Miami.
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What Is an Annual Physical Exam?
It is the single highest-value appointment most adults make each year, because the conditions it detects — high blood pressure, prediabetes, elevated cholesterol, kidney dysfunction, thyroid disease, early cancer — are silent in their most treatable stages.
What Is Included in Your Physical
Vital signs — blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, height, weight, BMI, and waist measurement.
Comprehensive history review — current symptoms, medication reconciliation, family history, surgical history, immunization status, sleep, diet, activity, alcohol, and tobacco use.
Head-to-toe physical examination — cardiovascular, pulmonary, abdominal, neurological, musculoskeletal, lymphatic, thyroid, and skin examination.
Laboratory testing — complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic panel, lipid panel, hemoglobin A1C, thyroid function, kidney function, liver function, vitamin D, and urinalysis, tailored to your age and risk.
Cardiovascular risk assessment — 10-year risk scoring, EKG when indicated, and blood pressure trend review.
Cancer screening review — colorectal cancer screening, mammography, cervical cancer screening, prostate screening discussion, lung cancer screening for eligible smokers, and skin examination.
Immunization update — influenza, COVID-19, pneumococcal, shingles, tetanus, and hepatitis vaccines as appropriate.
Mental health screening — depression and anxiety screening, plus sleep and stress assessment.
Written plan — your results explained in plain language, with clear targets and a follow-up schedule.
Medicare Annual Wellness Visit
Medicare covers a yearly Annual Wellness Visit at no cost to the patient. Dr. Portes provides this visit with the depth it deserves: a full health risk assessment, review of every medication and supplement, cognitive screening, fall-risk and hearing assessment, review of functional independence, updated screening schedule, and advance care planning if you wish to discuss it.
The Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is distinct from the "Welcome to Medicare" visit available in your first year of coverage, and distinct from a problem-focused office visit. The office will confirm which applies to you when you schedule.
How to Prepare for Your Physical
Fast for eight to twelve hours if fasting bloodwork is planned — water and prescription medications are fine. Bring your complete medication and supplement list with dosages, your insurance card and photo ID, records of previous screenings such as colonoscopy or mammogram dates, and any home blood pressure or glucose readings. Write down your questions in advance; the ones patients remember on the drive home are usually the important ones.
How Often Should Adults Get a Physical?
Adults aged 18 to 39 in good health generally benefit from a comprehensive exam every one to three years, with blood pressure checked at least every two years. Adults 40 and older should be seen annually, as should anyone at any age with a chronic condition, a significant family history, or a medication requiring monitoring. Medicare beneficiaries are entitled to an Annual Wellness Visit every twelve months.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Under the Affordable Care Act, most commercial insurance plans cover one preventive annual exam per year with no copay or deductible. Medicare covers an Annual Wellness Visit each year at no cost. Additional testing ordered for a specific symptom or existing condition may be billed separately.
Plan on 30 to 60 minutes for the appointment itself. If fasting bloodwork is included, allow additional time for the lab draw.
Standard panels include a complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic panel, lipid panel, and hemoglobin A1C. Thyroid function, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and additional testing are added based on your age, symptoms, and risk factors.
Fast for eight to twelve hours if a lipid panel or fasting glucose is ordered. Water and your regular prescription medications are permitted. The office will tell you when you schedule.
A traditional physical includes a hands-on head-to-toe examination. The Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is a preventive planning visit focused on risk assessment, screening schedules, medication review, and cognitive and functional evaluation. Dr. Portes combines the clinical depth of both where coverage allows.
Yes, though significant new problems may require a separate follow-up appointment so they can be evaluated properly — and because insurance treats preventive and problem-focused care differently.
New patients welcome
Book Your Annual Physical in Miami
Call 305-328-5079 or request your preventive visit online.