Annual Physical Exam Without a Primary Care Doctor: Your Options

You don't need a primary care doctor to get an annual physical exam. If you need a signed physical for a job, volunteering or a program, or just want a check-in on your health, a basic adult physical at urgent care covers a history review, vital signs and a head-to-toe exam, without the wait for a new-patient appointment. What it can't do is replace the ongoing relationship, screening and lab work a regular doctor provides.

Here's how to decide which kind of yearly physical you need, and how to get the most out of one at urgent care.

Which yearly physical do you actually need?

"Physical" covers two quite different visits.

• A physical for a form. An employer, volunteer program, school or license wants a clinician to examine you and sign off. This is what urgent care does well: it's quick, and you can walk in.
• A preventive wellness visit. The yearly visit with a primary care provider who knows your history, orders blood work, keeps track of cancer screenings and vaccines, and manages long-term conditions over time.

If you just need the form signed, an urgent care physical is the fast option. If you want the full preventive picture, an urgent care physical is a good start, and a reason to find a primary care provider for the longer term.

What happens in a basic adult physical?

At AfterOurs, a basic adult physical includes:

• A review of your health history, medications and any concerns
• Vital signs, including blood pressure, pulse and weight
• A head-to-toe exam: heart, lungs, abdomen, ears, eyes, throat, skin and joints
• Completion of the form you bring

Lab work isn't included. If your form asks for blood tests or other specific items, mention it when you check in so you know what can and can't be done that day.

Physicals near me for work: which one do I need?

Some jobs ask for a specific physical rather than a general one. Check the paperwork, because the form decides which visit you need:

• Rideshare (TNC) driver physical for driving with a rideshare company: $50 self-pay
• Merchant guard physical for security work: $65 self-pay
• A pre-employment urine drug screen, if your employer asks for one alongside the physical: $50 self-pay

If your employer sends you as part of a company account, follow their instructions; occupational medicine visits require an employer contract with AfterOurs. If your form asks for a type of physical not listed here, call the clinic before you come in to check it's one we can complete.

What an urgent care physical won't replace

A one-time physical is a snapshot. It won't track your numbers year to year, schedule age-based screenings or adjust long-term medications. If the exam turns up something worth following, like a high blood pressure reading, the clinician will tell you and explain what follow-up makes sense.

To find a primary care provider, start with your insurer's online directory or member services line and filter for providers accepting new patients. Many plans cover a yearly preventive visit, usually with an in-network primary care provider; check your plan's terms before you book.

What to bring to a physical

• Any form you need completed, already filled in with your details
• Photo ID
• A list of your medications, supplements and allergies
• Your vaccination record, if the form asks about it
• Glasses or contacts, if you wear them

What does a physical cost?

The basic adult physical (no labs) is a flat fee of $75 self-pay, the same whether you walk in or book ahead. For kids, sports physicals and school physicals are $40 self-pay. All current prices are on the cost and insurance page.

And if you get sick or hurt between physicals, you can walk in for that too, no primary care referral needed.

Call 911 or go to the ER if… you have chest pain or pressure, trouble breathing, sudden weakness or numbness on one side, a drooping face or trouble speaking, a sudden severe headache, fainting, or confusion. Don't wait for a scheduled physical to mention symptoms like these.

Where to find us

Four clinics across metro Denver, all ages welcome, se habla español:

• Hampden (Southeast Denver): 8 AM–11 PM daily
• Littleton: 8 AM–11 PM daily
• Thornton: 8 AM–11 PM daily
• Highlands: Mon–Fri 5–11 PM, Sat–Sun 8 AM–11 PM

Walk in, or book online.