Every year, thousands of Filipino employees line up for their Annual Physical Exam (APE). For many, it’s just another company requirement something to get done and forget about.
But your annual physical exam is actually one of the most important tools you have for protecting your health.
Here’s why you should take it seriously.
What Is an Annual Physical Exam?
An annual physical exam is a comprehensive health checkup that typically includes:
Medical history review – Your doctor asks about past illnesses, family history, and lifestyle
Physical examination – Head-to-toe assessment by a physician
Vital signs check – Blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, height, weight
Laboratory tests – Blood tests, urinalysis, chest X-ray, ECG (depending on age and risk factors)
Vision and hearing screening (if included)
Why Annual Checkups Matter
1. Detect Problems Early
Many serious conditions develop silently, without symptoms:
| Condition | Silent Early Stage |
|---|---|
| High blood pressure | No symptoms until damage occurs |
| Diabetes | Can progress for years without symptoms |
| High cholesterol | No warning signs |
| Kidney disease | Often detected only when advanced |
| Early cancers | May have no symptoms initially |
Early detection means earlier treatment and better outcomes.
2. Establish Baseline Data
Your annual checkup creates a record of your “normal” values. If something changes in the future, your doctor has something to compare it against.
For example, if your blood pressure is normally 110/70 and suddenly jumps to 140/90, that’s a red flag. Without a baseline, you might not know there’s a problem.
3. Build a Relationship with Your Doctor
Regular checkups allow you to develop a relationship with a physician who knows your medical history. This is invaluable when you do get sick.
4. Update Vaccinations
Your annual visit is a good time to check if you need:
Flu vaccine
Pneumonia vaccine (for seniors)
Hepatitis B vaccine
Tetanus booster
HPV vaccine
5. Discuss Lifestyle Changes
Your doctor can provide personalized advice on:
Diet and nutrition
Exercise
Stress management
Sleep
Smoking cessation
Alcohol use
What Happens During an Annual Physical Exam?
Before the Exam
Fast for 8-12 hours if blood tests are required
Bring a list of medications you’re taking
Bring any previous medical records if it’s your first visit
Write down any concerns or symptoms you want to discuss
During the Exam
| Component | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Vital signs | Blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, height, weight, BMI calculated |
| Medical history | Doctor asks about past illnesses, surgeries, family history, lifestyle |
| Head and neck exam | Eyes, ears, nose, throat, thyroid checked |
| Heart and lung exam | Doctor listens with stethoscope |
| Abdominal exam | Palpates abdomen to check for tenderness or organ enlargement |
| Neurological exam | Reflexes, coordination, balance |
| Skin exam | Checks for unusual moles or lesions |
| Laboratory tests | Blood drawn, urine sample collected |
After the Exam
Doctor discusses findings
Recommendations for further tests if needed
Prescriptions if necessary
Schedule for next checkup
Annual Physical Exam Packages at Health Screen
We offer comprehensive APE packages for:
| Package | Includes | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Basic APE | CBC, urinalysis, chest X-ray, physical exam | Pre-employment, basic annual checkup |
| Standard APE | Basic + blood chemistry (FBS, lipid profile, creatinine, uric acid) | Routine annual screening |
| Executive APE | Standard + ECG, liver enzymes, additional tests | Comprehensive health assessment |
| Senior Citizen Package | Tailored for ages 60+ with relevant screenings | Elderly patients |
Company Partnerships
HealthScreen Laboratory and Diagnostic Center partners with companies to provide:
On-site APE for employees
Discounted rates for corporate clients
Electronic results delivery
Annual health reports for HR
Common Barriers (and How to Overcome Them)
| Barrier | Solution |
|---|---|
| “Ayoko sa ospital” | HealthScreen Laboratory and Diagnostic Center is a diagnostic center, not a hospital. Quick and efficient. |
| “Walang time” | Open early and on weekends. Process takes 1-2 hours. |
| “Mahal” | Packages are affordable. PhilHealth Konsulta covers basic tests. |
| “Takot sa karayom” | Our phlebotomists are trained to make blood extraction as painless as possible. |
The Takeaway
Your annual physical exam is not just a company requirement—it’s an investment in your health. Taking a few hours each year can add years to your life.
At HealthScreen Laboratory and Diagnostic Center, we make annual checkups quick, affordable, and even pleasant. Walk in today or contact us to schedule your APE.