Regular Checkups: How Often to Go and What to Ask

Regular checkups stop small health issues from turning into big ones. If you’re not sure how often to see a doctor, use your age and health risks as a guide. Healthy adults under 40 often visit every 1–3 years. From about 40 onward, a yearly checkup is a good rule. If you have chronic conditions—high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma—your doctor will usually want to see you more often, sometimes every few months.

What happens at a typical checkup? Expect a quick physical, blood pressure reading, weight check, and a review of medications and symptoms. Basic labs like blood sugar and cholesterol are common if you’re over 40 or have risk factors. Your provider will also review vaccines—flu shots, COVID boosters, tetanus—and recommend age-appropriate cancer screenings.

Prepare so the visit actually helps

Bring a short list: current medicines (including doses), new symptoms, sleep or mood changes, and any family history updates. Write down two or three priorities you want to cover—tests, a new vaccine, or a chronic symptom. If you have past test results or reports, bring them or upload them to the clinic portal. Ask about cost up front; many places offer basic screening packages or government-supported options.

Requests to make and screenings to consider

Ask for a blood pressure check every visit and basic blood tests (glucose and lipid profile) at least once every few years or sooner if you have risk factors. Women should talk about cervical screening (Pap or HPV) and timing for mammograms based on age and family history. Adults 45 and older should discuss colorectal screening. If you smoke, ask for help quitting. If you struggle with mood, sleep, or alcohol, bring it up—mental health matters in a checkup.

During the pandemic and afterward, telehealth is useful for routine follow-ups, medication reviews, and test result discussions. For in-person visits, follow clinic safety steps: arrive on time, wear a mask if asked, and reschedule if you have fever or new respiratory symptoms. For telehealth, sit somewhere quiet, have your medicine list ready, and be honest about symptoms—video can’t measure your blood pressure, but it can reveal many important signs.

Small habits make checkups work better: track home readings (blood pressure, glucose), set reminders for appointments, and schedule your next visit before you leave. Regular checkups aren’t just for finding disease—they help you stay on top of vaccines, screenings, and simple lifestyle changes that prevent bigger problems later. Make them a routine, and your future self will thank you.