How to Prepare for a Physical Exam (Including Fasting)

Do I need to fast before my physical exam?

Fasting is only required if your clinician is ordering labs that need it — primarily a cholesterol panel (lipid panel) 3Ref 3Grundy SM, Stone NJ, Bailey AL, et al. (2019).2018 AHA/ACC Guideline on the Management of Blood Cholesterol.A cholesterol (lipid) panel is a standard component of preventive cardiovascular risk assessment; fasting for 9–12 hours is required for accurate triglyceride measurement within the panel and fasting blood glucose 1Ref 1Krist AH, Davidson KW, Mangione CM, et al. (US Preventive Services Task Force) (2021).Screening for Hypertension in Adults: US Preventive Services Task Force Reaffirmation Recommendation Statement.Age-based preventive screenings and the value of family history in guiding preventive care decisions. If those are on the list, you will typically be asked to have nothing to eat or drink except water for 9 to 12 hours before the appointment.

A morning appointment makes fasting much easier: stop eating after dinner the night before, come in first thing, and eat breakfast right after. If you are not sure whether fasting is required, call the office when you book — a short question saves you the uncertainty and a wasted trip.

What should I gather before my appointment?

The most useful thing you can do before a physical is arrive with complete information:

• All current medications, vitamins, and supplements — ideally with the dose. If you cannot remember the dose, bring the bottle.
• Recent lab results, imaging reports, or specialist notes done outside your primary care clinician's practice.
• Insurance card and any referral or authorization information your insurer requires.
• Immunization history if you are uncertain what vaccines you have received.

Having this information in front of you means the clinician can spend the visit on your health rather than reconstructing your history.

Why does my family health history matter at a physical?

Your family health history shapes which screenings you may need and when. Knowing whether a parent or sibling had heart disease, diabetes, cancer, or a genetic condition — and at what age — is genuinely useful clinical information 1Ref 1Krist AH, Davidson KW, Mangione CM, et al. (US Preventive Services Task Force) (2021).Screening for Hypertension in Adults: US Preventive Services Task Force Reaffirmation Recommendation Statement.Age-based preventive screenings and the value of family history in guiding preventive care decisions.

You do not need a complete genealogy. First-degree relatives (parents, siblings, children) and any notable conditions are what matter most. A family history of early heart disease or certain cancers can move some screening start dates earlier.

Should I write down my questions before going?

Physical exam visits are often shorter than patients expect, and it is easy to forget what you meant to ask once you are in the room. Write down anything you have been wondering about — a symptom you noticed, a medication question, a lifestyle concern — even if it feels minor.

Bring the list and mention it at the start of the visit so your clinician can help prioritize if time is limited.

What should I do the morning of my physical?

Take your regular medications as usual unless your clinician's office specifically told you otherwise. Always check if you are on a diabetes medication or blood thinner, as these may have specific instructions.

Wear comfortable clothes that are easy to get on and off — the clinician will likely listen to your heart and lungs, check your abdomen, and take your blood pressure 2Ref 2Muntner P, Shimbo D, Carey RM, et al. (2019).Measurement of Blood Pressure in Humans: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association.Blood pressure measurement as a standard component of routine physical examination. Arrive a few minutes early for paperwork. If a urine sample is likely to be collected, avoid urinating right before you arrive so you can provide one.