A physical examination, often called a wellness check, is a comprehensive assessment of a person’s overall health status. This review typically includes a medical history, a physical check of the body, and age-appropriate preventative screenings. There is no single minimum age to receive a physical, as health monitoring begins immediately after birth, but the frequency and purpose of the exam shift significantly throughout the lifespan. The requirement for a physical depends entirely on whether it is for routine preventative care, a specific activity, or a mandate like school enrollment.
Physical Examinations in Infancy and Childhood
Physical examinations begin in the first days of life, establishing a baseline of health and development. These early appointments are called well-child visits and are primarily preventative. The recommended schedule for infants is highly concentrated, with visits occurring at 3 to 5 days old, and then at 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, and 12 months of age.
This frequent schedule allows pediatricians to monitor growth metrics, such as height, weight, and head circumference, ensuring the child is developing appropriately. These visits also serve as the primary opportunity to administer scheduled immunizations. Providers also conduct developmental screenings to assess milestones in language, motor skills, and social behavior.
As a child moves into the toddler and preschool years, the frequency of physicals gradually decreases but remains consistent. Recommended visits occur at 15, 18, 24, and 30 months, and then annually from age three onward. These ongoing checks are important for the early detection of issues like vision or hearing problems, and they provide a platform for parents to discuss nutrition, safety, and behavioral concerns.
Age Requirements for Activity and School Physicals
While well-child visits focus on routine care, other physical examinations are mandated by specific institutions and activities. A common requirement is the school entry physical, often required for students entering kindergarten, sixth grade, or ninth grade, depending on the state or district. These exams ensure the child is up-to-date on required vaccinations and is fit for the school environment.
A more frequent requirement for older children is the Pre-Participation Physical Examination (PPE), commonly known as a sports physical. While some youth leagues may recommend a physical as early as age six or seven, these become mandatory as children enter middle and high school sports. Most athletic organizations require these physicals annually to confirm the athlete can safely participate in the demands of the sport.
The purpose of a sports physical is specific, focusing on identifying potential risks for injury or sudden cardiac events exacerbated by intense physical exertion. The exam typically includes a review of the athlete’s and family’s medical history for “red flags,” such as a family history of heart conditions. While a sports physical shares components with a routine checkup, its primary focus remains on determining fitness for athletic competition, and it is usually valid for one year.
Routine Preventative Care for Adults
The transition from pediatric care to adult care typically occurs around age 18 to 21, marking the shift to a less regimented physical examination schedule. For young adults who are generally healthy, a comprehensive physical may be recommended every two to three years. This is a time to establish a personal health baseline, including tracking blood pressure and cholesterol, and focusing on lifestyle factors.
For the general adult population aged 22 to 64, the suggested frequency ranges from every one to three years, depending on individual health status and risk factors. The concept of the “annual physical” remains common, and many healthy adults choose a yearly visit to update vaccinations and discuss preventative screenings. Individuals with chronic conditions or significant risk factors will require more frequent, custom-tailored check-ups.
As adults age, the focus of the physical shifts toward age-related disease prevention and early detection of cancer. Beyond age 40, specific screenings become routine, such as cholesterol checks every five years and discussions about colorectal cancer screening, which often begins around age 50. The recommendation for most people over age 65 is to return to an annual physical examination to monitor for common issues and ensure preventative measures are current.