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Sources and service details checked: October 20, 2026
Do you need an annual physical?
If you feel well and have no significant risk factors, you may not need a full physical every year. Choosing Wisely Canada recommends against routine annual physical examinations for adults without symptoms or significant risk factors.
This does not mean skipping preventive care. Recommended screening, vaccinations and care for ongoing conditions remain important. The purpose of a preventive visit is to identify what is appropriate for your health history and circumstances.
A 2019 Cochrane review identified 17 trials of general health checks. Fifteen reported results, involving 251,891 participants. These checks had little or no effect on deaths from any cause or cancer, and probably little or no effect on deaths from cardiovascular causes.
The research concerned general health checks offered to adults who were not selected because of a particular disease or risk. It does not mean that visits for symptoms, chronic conditions or specific health concerns are unnecessary.
Why can unnecessary tests cause problems?
More tests do not automatically mean better care. Routine screening bloodwork is not recommended every year unless your risk profile provides a reason for it.
A test can produce a false-positive result: a finding that suggests a problem when none is present. This can cause anxiety and lead to additional investigations or procedures that may not have been needed.
When considering a “full body check-up,” ask how the proposed tests relate to your health history. Useful questions include:
- what is this test looking for?
- why is it appropriate for me?
- how would the result change my care?
- what follow-up might be needed?
The aim is to choose tests that can help guide care, while avoiding unnecessary investigations.
When is a check-up worth booking?
A medical visit can be useful when there is a specific concern, a condition to monitor or preventive care to plan. Reasons to see a physician include:
- new symptoms or a change in your health
- an ongoing condition that needs monitoring
- reviewing the effects of medication
- discussing personal or family risk factors
- pregnancy planning or other family-planning needs
- reviewing screening or vaccinations that may be due
A preventive review may also help if you are unsure whether your screening is up to date, particularly after a long gap in care.
Choose the appointment that matches your reason for seeking care. A new illness or symptom may need a medical consultation rather than a preventive review.
What should a preventive review cover?
A preventive review brings together your medical history, risk factors and previous results. Your physician uses this information to discuss appropriate preventive care and decide whether examinations or investigations are needed.
The discussion may include:
- your personal and family medical history
- medications and supplements
- lifestyle and relevant risk factors
- previous screening and any follow-up needed
- vaccination history and preventive care needs
There is no universal set of tests that every adult needs. Screening follows schedules that depend on factors such as age, health history and individual risk.
For more information, read Screening in Family Medicine: Which Tests and When?.
How often should you have a preventive review?
There is no single schedule that fits everyone. Your age, health history, risk factors, medications and screening needs help determine when another visit is useful.
Discuss the timing with your physician. Some people need regular follow-up for a condition or treatment, while others may need a visit when screening is due or their circumstances change.
If a new concern develops, seek advice rather than waiting for your next planned review.
Is a check-up covered by RAMQ?
Coverage depends on the service, your eligibility and whether the healthcare professional participates in Québec’s public health insurance plan.
RAMQ covers insured services provided to eligible patients by participating professionals. Services provided by non-participating professionals are paid by the patient and are not reimbursable by RAMQ.
Before booking a paid appointment, ask the clinic to explain the consultation fee, what is included and whether additional charges may apply. A consultation fee does not necessarily include laboratory tests or other investigations.
What should you bring to your appointment?
Bring information that helps your physician understand your health history and plan appropriate care:
- a current medication and supplement list
- relevant personal and family medical history
- previous screening dates and results
- vaccination information, if available
- the questions you want to discuss
Carnet santé Québec can help you access available health information before your appointment.
Do not assume you need to fast. Preparation depends on the investigations requested. Follow the instructions provided for your specific tests.
When should you seek medical advice sooner?
New or worsening symptoms need assessment rather than waiting for a routine check-up. If your main concern is an illness, pain or another change in your health, book a medical consultation.
If you are unsure where to seek care for a non-emergency concern, call Info-Santé 811 for guidance.
For severe chest pain, severe breathing difficulty or other potentially life-threatening symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. Bina Medical Clinic is not an emergency facility.
Preventative Health Reviews at Bina Medical Clinic
Bina offers in-person preventive health reviews in Brossard. A physician reviews your health history, medications, risk factors and screening needs, then requests investigations when appropriate.
A telephone follow-up to discuss results related to the preventive review is included.
Laboratory fees are separate. Additional consultations and in-person follow-up appointments are also charged separately. Tests depend on the physician’s assessment; there is no automatic blood-test panel for every patient.
See the Preventative Health Review service page for current fees and appointment details.
Talk with us
If you are unsure whether you need a preventive review or a consultation for a specific concern, contact Bina Medical Clinic. Tell us what you would like to discuss so we can help you choose the appropriate appointment.
You can view and book a Preventative Health Review or call 514-307-0111.
Official sources
- Choosing Wisely Canada — Family Medicine recommendations
- Choosing Wisely Canada — Health Check-ups
- Cochrane — General health checks for reducing illness and mortality
- RAMQ — Obtain information on covered services
- Gouvernement du Québec — Carnet santé Québec
- Bina Medical Clinic — Preventative Health Review
This information is for education only and does not replace individualized medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Screening recommendations, service details and fees may change.
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