New Research Adds to Debate About the Value of a Yearly Physical - WebMD

An annual physical exam is a tradition for many U.S. adults, but it is not always necessary, according to a new study.

"I'm not advocating we should get rid of these visits," says researcher Ateev Mehrotra, MD, MPH....

Rather, the preventive services and tests ordered at these exams that are actually necessary often can be received -- and often already are -- at other visits and times....