How much does a physical exam cost without insurance?
How much does a physical exam cost without insurance?
$100 – $350+ average cost for a physical exam
Average physical exam cost without insurance
The average cost of a physical exam without insurance is $100 to $250 for an annual physical at a retail clinic or urgent care center. At a primary care doctor's office, annual physical exam costs without insurance range from $100 to $350+, depending on your age, health, and the specific tests included.
| Provider type | Average cost without insurance |
|---|---|
| Primary care | $100 – $350+ |
| Urgent care center / retail clinic* | $100 – $250 |
| Community center / low-cost clinic | Sliding scale fee |
*Not all retail clinics offer annual physicals
What is a physical exam, and what does it include?
A physical exam is a routine medical checkup performed by a healthcare provider to assess your overall health and detect any potential issues. The primary goals of a physical exam are to identify potential health problems early, ensure you're maintaining good health, and provide preventive care recommendations.
The exam typically includes checking vital signs (such as blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature), examining different body parts and systems, and discussing your medical history. The healthcare provider may also perform or recommend specific screenings based on your age, sex, and risk factors.
What affects the cost of a physical exam?
Several factors can influence the cost of your physical exam:
Age: Adult physicals tend to be more comprehensive and may cost more than children's physicals due to additional age-related screenings.
Health: If you are overweight or have any risk factors for diseases or health conditions, the doctor may include additional tests, increasing the total cost.
New vs. existing patient: New patient visits typically cost more as they require more extensive documentation and medical history review.
Location: Healthcare costs vary significantly by region, with urban areas generally having higher prices than rural locations.
Types of physical exams
There are several types of physical exams, and their costs vary based on how extensive they are. A child's camp physical costs as little as $40 to ensure they're ready to play, while a DOT physical costs up to $150 on average to confirm a patient can handle the strenuous demands of commercial driving.
| Physical exam type | Average cost without insurance |
|---|---|
| Adult annual physical | $100 – $350+ |
| Adult sports physical | $50 – $175 |
| DOT physical cost | $50 – $150 |
| School, sports, or camp physical | $40 – $120 |
| Immigration medical exam cost | $250 – $650 |
Facility / provider types
Different healthcare facilities charge different rates for a physical exam:
Primary care: Primary care doctors charge more but offer the most comprehensive physical exams and typically spend more time reviewing your complete medical history. These providers can serve as your long-term healthcare partner, coordinating any specialty care you might need and maintaining detailed records of your health.
Urgent care: Urgent care center prices are a more affordable option for basic physical exams, especially for specific purposes like school or sports requirements. These facilities often have walk-in availability and extended hours, convenient for routine physical exams and basic health screenings.
Community health centers / low-cost clinics: These federally funded facilities offer essential healthcare services and comprehensive physical exams at significantly reduced rates compared to private practices. Most clinics have a sliding scale fee structure based on your income and family size.
If you live near a university, teaching hospitals and medical school clinics often provide physical exams at reduced rates. While you may be seen by medical residents or students under the supervision of qualified physicians, these clinics offer high-quality care with access to advanced medical facilities and specialists.
Tests & immunizations
Depending on the patient and the exam type, some physicals include additional costs beyond the doctor's visit fee for the physical examination:
Blood work costs $25 to $125 per test or panel. Physical exams often include a complete blood count (CBC). Doctors recommend a lipid panel that tests your cholesterol levels every 4 to 6 years.
An EKG costs $60 to $250 on average. An EKG, or electrocardiogram, measures the electrical activity of your heart to diagnose or monitor arrhythmias, congenital heart defects, coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and heart failure.
A flu shot costs $20 to $65 on average. The CDC recommends getting a flu shot every year as well as other immunizations, depending on your age and health, which may impact the exam cost.
What to expect at an annual physical exam
A comprehensive physical examination typically takes 45 to 60 minutes and follows a structured process. After the check-in process, which takes 15 to 20 minutes, here's what you can expect during your visit:
Initial vital signs: A nurse or medical assistant checks your height, weight, and basic vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation levels.
Medical history discussion: Your provider reviews your current health concerns, any changes since your last visit, family health history, lifestyle factors, and medications with you.
Physical examination: The provider performs a comprehensive examination of your head and neck, heart and lungs, abdomen, musculoskeletal system, and skin. This includes checking your vision, hearing, reflexes, and major organ systems.
Gender-specific examinations: For biological women, this may include a breast examination and discussion of reproductive health. For men, this typically includes a testicular examination and prostate health discussion if age-appropriate.
Additional testing: Based on your age, health history, and any concerning findings, your provider may recommend additional tests such as blood work, urinalysis, or specific screenings.
Wrap-up discussion: Your provider will review their findings, discuss any health concerns, provide preventive care recommendations, and create a plan for any necessary follow-up care.
Post-exam: You'll receive a summary of the visit, any necessary prescriptions, and instructions for follow-up appointments or recommended screenings.
FAQs about physical exams
Where can I get a physical exam?
If you have a primary care doctor, they are a good place to start for a physical exam. You can also get a physical exam at:
Urgent care centers
Retail clinics (usually no annual exams)
Community health centers / low-cost clinics
University health centers
How often should I get a physical exam?
Most adults should get a physical exam every 1 to 3 years, depending on age and health status. Those with chronic conditions may need more frequent check-ups.
What is a DOT physical exam?
A DOT (Department of Transportation) physical is a specialized exam required for commercial drivers. It ensures drivers meet federal safety standards and typically includes vision, hearing, and physical capability tests.
Is a well-woman exam the same as an annual physical?
No. While there may be some overlap, a well-woman exam focuses specifically on women's reproductive health, while an annual physical is a comprehensive health assessment. Both exams are considered essential healthcare screenings.
How should I prepare for a physical exam?
Follow these guidelines to prepare for and get the most out of your physical exam:
Gather important documents:
List of current medications and supplements
Medical history, including surgeries and chronic conditions
Family medical history
Vaccination records
Previous test results
Names and contact information of other healthcare providers
Any required forms (school, sports, employment)
Track your health concerns:
Write down any symptoms you've been experiencing.
Note when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse.
List any questions you want to ask your doctor.
Record any changes in your health since your last visit.
Follow any pre-exam instructions:
Fast for 8 to 12 hours if your doctor schedules blood work that requires it.
Avoid caffeine before blood pressure readings.
Wear comfortable clothing that's easy to remove.
Bring a list of your health goals.
Take care of yourself:
Get a good night's sleep.
Don't eat a heavy meal before the exam.
Avoid excessive exercise before the appointment.
Schedule the exam at a time when you won't feel rushed.
Finding affordable physical exams
Health care can be a stressful expense at times, especially since pricing isn’t always transparent. To find affordable physical exams in your area:
Contact your local health department.
Search for federally qualified health centers (FQHCs).
Check with medical schools or teaching hospitals.
Research free or low-cost clinics or events in your community.
Remember that investing in preventive care through regular physical exams can help identify health issues early, potentially saving money on more expensive treatments in the future.
Questions to ask a healthcare provider
Before scheduling your physical exam, consider asking the following questions so you know what to expect:
Which specific tests and screenings do you include in the base price?
What additional tests do you recommend for my age/gender/health condition?
What is the total cost for uninsured patients?
Are there any additional fees beyond the basic exam?
Do you offer payment plans or have any financial assistance programs?
What discounts are available for cash payment?
Is there a discount if I pay in full at the time of service?
Do you offer sliding scale fees based on income?
Is the cost of completing any required forms (school, sports, work) included?
Do you charge extra for providing copies of test results or medical records?
Do you charge extra for any preventive services like vaccinations?
Is there an additional charge for discussing multiple health concerns?
Can you help me find more affordable options for any needed medications?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.