Physical exam prices by age and patient type
An annual physical costs $120–$300 for a returning adult under 40 and up to $150–$390 for a new patient aged 40 to 64. A physical is billed with its own preventive-visit codes, separate from sick visits, and the code changes with your age and with whether the practice has seen you before.[1]
| Physical | Code | CMS reference | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Returning patient, age 18–39 | 99395 | $121 | $120 | $180 | $300 |
| New patient, age 18–39 | 99385 | $134 | $130 | $200 | $340 |
| Returning patient, age 40–64 | 99396 | $128 | $130 | $190 | $320 |
| New patient, age 40–64 | 99386 | $154 | $150 | $230 | $390 |
| New patient 40–64 + basic blood work | with labs | $195 | $210 | $390 | $800 |
CMS assigns more relative value units to the 40–64 exam, so it is priced about 15% above the 18–39 exam. A first physical with a new practice runs about 21% more than a repeat one at the same age.
Why Medicare's number is only a reference
Medicare does not cover routine physicals; we use the value CMS publishes for the code as the reference. Medicare covers a yearly wellness visit instead, and its own coverage page says plainly that this visit is not a routine physical exam.[3] CMS still assigns relative value units to the preventive-visit codes and marks them as not covered, so multiplying those units by the 2027 conversion factor gives a reference amount on the same scale as every other office service.[1][2] The self-pay range then applies the same multipliers we use for office visits (see the methodology).
What a physical includes, and what is billed separately
The physical fee pays for a head-to-toe exam, a review of your history and medicines, and advice on screenings and vaccines. Lab tests, vaccines, an EKG and other screenings ordered during the visit are billed as separate lines, sometimes by a different company.
| Test | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive metabolic panel | $30 | $80 | $200 |
| Complete blood count | $25 | $70 | $170 |
| Cholesterol (lipid) panel | $35 | $90 | $230 |
| Hemoglobin A1c | $30 | $75 | $190 |
| Thyroid test (TSH) | $40 | $100 | $260 |
Lab prices start from Medicare's clinical lab fee schedule, which sets one national amount per test.[4] Ordering several tests from one blood draw is cheaper than separate visits, because the draw is charged once. Our blood work cost page prices more tests.
- A new problem during the physical. If you ask about a symptom or an ongoing condition that needs its own workup, the practice can bill a regular office visit in addition to the physical. Ask how they handle this when you book.
- Forms for work, school or sports. A physical done only to fill out a form may be a shorter exam with its own price. Ask for that price specifically.
- Hospital-owned practices can add a facility charge to clinic visits, which an independent office does not.[9]
What affects the price of a physical
| Factor | Effect on price | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Age group | About 15% more at 40–64 than 18–39 (new patients) | Separate codes by age; CMS assigns the older group more value units |
| New or returning patient | About 21% more for a new patient | The first exam includes a full history |
| Lab work | Basic panel adds about $60–$410 | Each test is a separate charge; the lab sets its own price |
| Problem visit on the same day | Adds a full office visit | Billed when a separate problem is evaluated |
| Practice type | Hospital-owned can cost more | Possible facility charge on top of the doctor |
| Your area | Follows local costs | The estimator applies your area's Medicare cost indexes |
Ways to pay less for a physical without insurance
- Book ahead and ask for a good faith estimate. A physical is usually scheduled in advance, so as an uninsured patient you are entitled to a written estimate of the expected charges when you book at least three business days ahead, or whenever you ask.[5] Ask that it list the lab tests too. Our good faith estimate guide explains the rules.
- Ask about a health center's sliding fee. Federally funded health centers discount fees for patients with incomes up to twice the poverty line.[6] Find one through our sliding scale clinic page.
- Ask for a package price for the exam plus the blood tests you need, and ask which lab the office uses; prices for the same panel vary widely.
- Pay with HSA or FSA money if you have it: the IRS lists an annual physical examination and diagnostic tests by a physician as medical expenses.[7]
- Check whether coverage would make it free. Marketplace plans generally cover listed preventive services with no copay or coinsurance when you see an in-network provider.[8] See how to get health insurance without a job.
Not feeling well? A physical is a preventive visit. For a new illness or injury, a regular doctor visit or urgent care is billed differently. For questions about which screenings you need, ask your doctor; this site compares prices only.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a physical with blood work without insurance?
A new-patient physical for ages 40–64 with a metabolic panel, blood count and cholesterol test typically comes to $210–$800, of which the blood work is about $60–$410. Younger and returning patients pay a little less for the exam part.
Does Medicare pay for an annual physical?
No. Medicare covers a yearly wellness visit, which it says is not a routine physical exam.[3] The Medicare figures on this page are reference values CMS publishes for the codes, not payments.
What is the annual physical cost without insurance at a health center?
It depends on your income. Health centers funded by HRSA give a full discount at or below the poverty line, except a small nominal charge, and partial discounts up to 200% of it.[6] Above 200%, the center's regular fee applies, so ask what it is.
Can I use an HSA or FSA to pay for a physical?
Yes. IRS Publication 502 includes an annual physical examination and diagnostic tests by a physician among deductible medical expenses, and HSA and FSA rules follow that list.[7]
Sources
- PFS Relative Value Files: RVU27A (PPRRVU2027_Jan), released November 10, 2026
- Medicare Program; CY 2027 Payment Policies Under the Physician Fee Schedule (CMS-1848-F)
- Yearly "Wellness" visits: coverage
- Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule, CY 2026 fourth quarter release (26CLABQ4)
- Good faith estimate guide (No Surprises Act, uninsured and self-pay patients)
- Health Center Program Compliance Manual, Chapter 9: Sliding Fee Discount Program
- Publication 502: Medical and Dental Expenses
- Preventive health services
- CY 2027 OPPS/ASC final rule with comment period (CMS-1850-FC) and Addenda A and B