Is a Well-Woman Exam the Same as an Annual Physical?

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Is a Well-Woman Exam the Same as an Annual Physical?

Every year, adults should visit their primary care physician (PCP) for an annual physical. But did you know there’s also a recommended yearly exam just for women? A well-woman exam is an annual health checkup focused on a woman’s reproductive and sexual health.

Keep reading to explore the differences between these two types of appointments and how they each play a role in your overall health care.

What Is an Annual Physical?

An annual physical is a yearly checkup with your primary care provider that assesses your overall health.

Your annual physical may be conducted as part of a yearly wellness visit, which allows you and your provider to:

  1. Assess your current health status
  2. Make any changes to your medical records or add to your family’s medical history
  3. Set updated goals and lifestyle changes to keep you on a path towards a healthy future

Some of the primary care services you may receive during your annual physical include the following:

  • Balance and coordination check
  • Blood work to screen for diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol
  • Blood pressure and heart rate check
  • Coordination of any additional health exams and tests, like colonoscopies or mammograms
  • Hands-on physical exam of your eyes, ears, throat and nose
  • Listening to your heart and lungs using a stethoscope
  • Palpitation of your abdomen
  • Reviewing or potentially receiving vaccinations
  • Update on chronic disease symptoms and management
  • Updating your medical history and family history
  • Weight or body mass index (BMI) and height check

What Is a Well-Woman Exam?

A well-woman exam is a routine checkup with your PCP or gynecologist (OB/GYN) designed to keep your reproductive and overall health on track.

During the visit, your doctor will review your medical history and perform screenings such as Pap tests or breast exams, while answering questions about your menstrual cycle, contraception and reproductive health.

A well-woman exam can be performed by your PCP or an OB/GYN.

An examination at the OB/GYN will be more involved, but you can expect any or all of the following women’s health screenings during an examination:

  • Bone density testing, usually for women 65 and older
  • Blood and urine testing as needed
  • Breast exam to check for lumps
  • Check of vitals, including blood pressure and heart rate
  • Contraception education and prescriptions
  • Family planning counseling, including infertility and pregnancy planning
  • HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine for women ages 11 to 26
  • Medication management and refills
  • Menstrual and menopause management and counseling
  • Pap test to screen for signs of cervical cancer — normally performed every three years for women ages 21 to 29, and every three to five years for women ages 29 to 65
  • A pelvic exam of a woman's reproductive system, including the vagina, cervix, uterus and ovaries
  • Physical exam that may include an assessment of your heart, lungs and abdomen
  • Providing referrals to specialists as needed
  • Review and counseling on current lifestyle choices
  • Sexually transmitted disease (STI) testing, including HIV testing
  • Weight and height check

Differences Between an Annual Physical and a Well-Woman Exam

While they may share some similarities, the primary distinction is that a well-woman exam focuses primarily on a woman's reproductive and sexual health, while an annual physical focuses on her overall health.

CategoryAnnual PhysicalWell-Woman Exam
Typical ProviderPrimary Care Provider (PCP)OB/GYN or PCP
Scope of PracticeWhole-body care — overall health, chronic conditions and preventive screeningsWomen’s reproductive and sexual health, including menstrual and hormonal care
Preventive CareVitals check (blood pressure, heart rate, weight, height), physical examVitals check, breast exam and pelvic exam
Counseling ProvidedLifestyle habits, nutrition, exercise, medication management and chronic disease managementFamily planning, menstrual and menopause management, contraception options and healthy lifestyle guidance
Screenings OfferedBlood work (cholesterol, blood sugar), blood pressure, diabetes, and mental health screening; orders for preventive tests like colonoscopyPap test, mammogram, STI testing and additional screenings such as blood work or colonoscopy as needed
Vaccinations OfferedGeneral adult vaccines, annual flu shot, shingles and tetanus vaccinesHPV vaccine, plus any general vaccines based on age and health history

Why Women Need Both

While there are aspects of an annual physical and a well-woman exam that overlap, both types of exams play essential roles in protecting a woman’s long-term health. Together, they help ensure nothing falls through the cracks.

Here’s why scheduling both types of visits matters:

  • Each test brings a different perspective and expertise to your care plan
  • Preventive screenings from both types of exams can help detect health issues early, when they’re most treatable
  • Regular visits with both kinds of doctors empower you to take charge of your health and feel confident about your care
  • You’ll have better coordination and communication between providers, especially if they’re in the same health network
  • You’ll receive comprehensive care that covers both your reproductive health and your whole-body wellness

AdventHealth Primary Care+ Advantage

Our AdventHealth Primary Care+ locations offer access to primary care physicians who are part of the same network of care as AdventHealth OB/GYNs, allowing for seamless preventive care.

AdventHealth Primary Care+ also offers other benefits, such as:

  • Compassionate, faith-based approach to patient wellness
  • Convenient same-day, evening and weekend appointments
  • Network of specialists in all health areas, making it quick and easy to see a specialist
  • Onsite labs
  • Diagnostic testing for quick results and follow-up
  • Virtual appointments when needed

Frequently Asked Questions About Annual Exams

Is a well-woman exam the same as an annual physical?

No. A well-woman exam focuses on reproductive health, while an annual physical covers whole-body preventive care and chronic condition management.

Can I have both exams with the same doctor?

Some primary care physicians can perform well-woman exams, but gynecologists often handle specialized women’s health screenings, such as mammograms. Many patients benefit from seeing both. Call your local AdventHealth Primary Care+ provider to ask about women’s health services.

How often should I schedule each exam?

Typically, an annual physical is scheduled once a year, and a well-woman exam is also recommended annually, following medical guidelines for Pap smears and other screenings.

Will insurance cover both visits?

Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover preventive care visits. Coverage may vary depending on the provider and exam type, so check your plan details.

What’s the benefit of coordinated care between a PCP and a gynecologist?

Coordinated care ensures that both overall wellness and reproductive health are monitored, providing a complete picture of your health.

Schedule Your Annual Exams with AdventHealth Primary Care+

Your well-woman exam and annual physical exam work together to create a full picture of your current and future health. Speak with your primary care doctor about any additional health screenings based on your age and gender that you may need to track your health and well-being over time.

Schedule your annual physical or well-woman exam at an AdventHealth Primary Care+ location near you.

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