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What can I expect at a routine checkup?
By David Pilling and Brisa Brown Sp'26
eds. Matthew Cao and Rahimeen Shah
“Now cover one eye and read the 4th line.. EFPOTZ…” the classic line you hear during a routine annual physical exam. Many people go to their yearly checkup simply because they are supposed to, without really knowing what each step is or why it matters.
A routine checkup is more than a school or sports club requirement; it's a way to understand your overall health, monitor growth in kids, track progress in adults, and use preventive care to catch health issues early. During the appointment, you can expect simple measurements, screenings, and lifestyle questions. A few medical devices are used at a checkup, and each one is helpful to doctors in unique ways.
What Happens During my Annual Checkup?
Checkups vary based on your age, health history, and current needs. However, most include the following:
Children and Teens
For younger children, providers closely monitor growth and development. This may include measuring height, weight, and head circumference for children under age two. Providers use growth charts to look for patterns that may need attention.
They may also ask about speech, learning, social development, and motor skills. As children get older, checkups may include conversations about puberty, sleep, nutrition, acne, periods, mood, and stress. These visits give young people a private, safe place to ask health questions.
Adults
Adult checkups often focus on preventing and managing long-term health conditions. Depending on age, sex, family history, and personal health needs, a provider may recommend cholesterol or diabetes screening, cancer screening, vaccinations, or other tests.
Your provider may also discuss exercise, diet, sleep, alcohol or tobacco use, stress, and mental health. Regular visits can help identify health concerns before they become more serious.
Common Medical Devices
During a checkup, you may see several medical tools. They can look different from the pictures in this article, but they serve similar purposes.
Stethoscope
A stethoscope helps healthcare providers listen to your heart, lungs, and sometimes your stomach. Listening for unusual sounds can help them identify possible concerns.
Blood Pressure Cuff
A blood pressure cuff measures blood pressure. The cuff tightens around your arm for a short time, which can feel uncomfortable but should not hurt. Tell your provider if you are worried or uncomfortable.
Pulse Oximeter
A pulse oximeter is a small clip placed on your finger. It uses light to estimate the amount of oxygen in your blood and measure your pulse. This is painless and usually takes only a few seconds.
Reflex Hammer
A reflex hammer is used to check how your nerves and muscles respond. Your provider may gently tap your knee or another area to see whether your muscles react normally.
Otoscope
An otoscope is a lighted tool used to look inside the ears. It helps providers check for earwax, infection, or other concerns. It may feel slightly ticklish, but it should not be painful.
Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)
An EKG measures the heart’s electrical activity. Small sticky sensors, called electrodes, are placed on the chest and limbs. The test is painless and does not send electricity into your body. It helps providers look for certain heart rhythm problems or other concerns.
Why Preventive Care Matters
Preventive care means taking steps to stay healthy and reduce the chance of illness. Routine checkups are an important part of preventive care because they help providers monitor your health over time.
At regular visits, your provider can notice changes in measurements such as blood pressure, weight, or blood sugar. They can also recommend screenings for conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and some cancers when appropriate.
Finding health concerns early can make them easier to manage or treat. Routine checkups also give you a chance to ask questions, discuss symptoms, and make a plan with your healthcare provider.
Free and low-cost clinics in Berkeley and the East Bay are available under our resource tab here.
Works Cited
Content
Motairy, Sara Hodiban Al, et al. “The Importance of Regular Check-Ups at the Doctors and Their Impact on Human Health.” International Journal of Bio-Medical Informatics and e-Health, World Academy of Research in Science and Engineering, October–November 2022. PDF. Accessed November 29, 2025.
Black, Bryan. “New Poll Shows a Large Number of Patients Are Not Getting Health Screenings.” American Association of Nurse Practitioners News, October 7, 2024. Article.
Images
https://live.staticflickr.com/3736/10668573595_17bd7961b3.jpg. Stethoscope.
https://images.rawpixel.com/image_800/czNmcy1wcml2YXRlL3Jhd3BpeGVsX2ltYWdlcy93ZWJzaXRlX2NvbnRlbnQvbHIvcGQ1OGJhdGNoMS0xMzUwMy1jaGltXzEuanBn.jpg. Blood Pressure Cuff.
https://americanmedicals.com/Americanimages/111-869-SI-18ST-steristat-sterile-taylor-percussion-hammer.webp . Reflex Hammer.
https://www.medisave.net/cdn/shop/products/Welch_Allyn_Pocketscope.jpg?v=1675178328. Otoscope.
https://www.medicalequipment-msl.com/upload/img/20180404/201804041522375722.jpg. EKG Machine Diagram.
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