How often do you need a physical?

[JJP]

Hey everyone,
Ordinarily, I would just ask my doctor this but I'm becoming skeptical of him. He kind of treats me like I'm just crazy now that I've been diagnosed with GAD. He'll say things like "didn't I just see you" and stuff like that. Anyway, my girlfriend told me I should be getting a yearly physical. I had no idea that it should be so often. My doctor says since I'm young, I don't need physicals that often. I'm 25 and male by the way. I'm starting to think I should switch doctors...

Anyway, can anyone tell me how often I SHOULD be getting physicals? Thanks!

[Door]

I get a physical every year.  My insurance actually recommends it!  I get all the blood work - CBC, lipids, cholesterol, thyroid, etc.- plus STD testing.  It's pretty standard.

I think you may need to seek a second opinion.

[MrBBB]

Once a year is what I have always heard as well. When I was younger I used to go 2 or 3 years without getting one, mostly because of being out of work at the time with no insurance. When I did finally go for one I found out that my high blood pressure had returned and I had to go back on med's. Now I make sure to get a complete physical once a year.

[sixpack]

our insurance pays for a physical every other year.  I haven't had one in a couple of years.  My hubby goes annually as do my kids.

[Gideon.Waller]

definitely once a year - especially after 30

[JJP]

Thanks everyone. My doctor says I don't need a physical since I've had so many tests already. But it's been spanned out over 3 years. For instance, I haven't had any blood work in at least 2 years. I think I'll just request having a physical now, and then repeating every year at this time.