A yearly physical is the simplest way to stay ahead of your health. At Shoreline Health, our annual physical exams give you an unhurried visit with a provider who knows you, in-house lab work, and a clear plan for the year ahead. We’re right on US Highway 17 in Hampstead and see patients ages 5 and up from across Pender and Onslow counties.
Call (910) 319-9954 to schedule your annual physical.
Your Yearly Check-Up, Close to Home
Many people put off their physical because it means a long drive, a long wait, or a rushed visit with someone they’ve never met. We built Shoreline Health to be different. Our medical clinic is a small-town practice where you see the same provider each year, our team answers the phone, and same-day and next-day visits are often available.
Your exam is led by David F. Hoag II, PA-C, a certified physician assistant who practiced in emergency medicine and cardiothoracic surgery before moving into family medicine. That background means he knows what serious problems look like early, and he takes the time to look for them.
How to Prepare for Your Physical
- Bring a list of your medications, vitamins and supplements, with doses.
- Bring your insurance card and a photo ID.
- Ask us whether to fast. If cholesterol or blood sugar tests are planned, we may ask you not to eat for 8 to 12 hours beforehand. Water is fine.
- Write down questions or symptoms you want to discuss.
- Gather any records from other doctors or specialists you’ve seen in the past year.
Existing patients can message us and view results through the patient portal.
What’s Included in Your Annual Physical Exam
Every physical is tailored to your age, health history and goals. Most visits include the following:
Health History and Medication Review
We review your medical and family history, current medications and supplements, and any changes since your last visit. This is your time to bring up anything that has been on your mind, from sleep and stress to aches you’ve been ignoring.
Vitals and a Head-to-Toe Exam
We check your blood pressure, heart rate, weight and BMI, then examine your heart, lungs, abdomen, skin, eyes, ears, throat and reflexes.
Lab Work
With in-house lab services, many routine tests can be done during your visit. Depending on your age and risk factors, we may check cholesterol, blood sugar or A1C, kidney and liver function, thyroid levels and a complete blood count.
Age-Appropriate Screenings
We make sure you’re up to date on the screenings recommended for your age and sex, and we order outside studies when you need them. That can include mammograms, colon cancer screening, bone density scans and other preventive imaging.
Immunization Review
We check which vaccines you’re due for, such as flu, tetanus, shingles or pneumonia, and help you stay current.
Your Personal Prevention Plan
You leave with clear next steps: lab results explained in plain language, lifestyle goals that fit your life, and a plan for managing any chronic conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
Why a Yearly Physical Matters, Even When You Feel Fine
Many serious conditions cause no symptoms in their early stages. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, prediabetes and some cancers are often found only through routine exams and lab work. Catching them early usually means simpler treatment and better outcomes.
A yearly physical also gives you a baseline. When your provider knows what “normal” looks like for you, small changes stand out sooner.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an annual physical take?
Most visits take about 30 to 45 minutes. New patients may need a little longer to review history.
Is an annual physical covered by insurance?
Most commercial plans cover one preventive exam per year with no copay when you see an in-network provider. Call us and we’ll help you check your coverage.
Does Medicare cover an annual physical?
Original Medicare covers a yearly Annual Wellness Visit rather than a full physical. Many Medicare Advantage plans include an annual physical. We accept Medicare and can explain your options.
Do I need to fast before my physical?
Only if we plan fasting blood work, such as a cholesterol or glucose test. We’ll tell you when you book.
What’s the difference between a physical and a sick visit?
A physical focuses on prevention and screenings when you feel well. A sick visit treats a specific problem, like the flu or an injury. We offer both, often on the same day.
Can my child get a school or sports physical here?
Yes. We see children ages 5 and up for annual check-ups, school physicals and sports physicals.
Are you accepting new patients?
Yes. We welcome new patients of all ages 5 and up from Hampstead and the surrounding area.
Annual Physicals for Every Age
Kids and Teens (Ages 5–17)
We see children ages 5 and up for yearly check-ups that track growth, development and vaccines. Need paperwork for school or a team? We also offer school and sports physicals; see our self-pay pricing for rates.
Adults
For adults, the annual physical focuses on heart health, weight, blood sugar, mental health and cancer screenings that change with age. It’s also the best time to review medications and refill prescriptions.
Adults 65+ and Medicare Wellness Visits
Original Medicare doesn’t cover a routine head-to-toe physical, but it does cover a yearly Annual Wellness Visit focused on prevention, screenings and planning. Many Medicare Advantage plans also cover a full annual physical. We accept Medicare and can help you understand what your plan includes, along with fall-risk and memory checks for older adults.
Insurance and Self-Pay Options
Shoreline Health accepts Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare East and most commercial insurance plans. Most private plans cover one preventive visit per year at no cost to you. If we also treat a new or ongoing problem during the visit, your plan may bill that part separately; we’ll let you know.
No insurance? We offer simple, upfront self-pay rates. See our health insurances we accept and self-pay pricing pages, or call us with questions.
Schedule Your Annual Physical in Hampstead
Your yearly check-up is one of the easiest things you can do for your long-term health. Call Shoreline Health at (910) 319-9954 or request an appointment online. We’re open Monday through Thursday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, and Friday, 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM. We look forward to seeing you.
Serving Hampstead, Surf City, Sneads Ferry and the Topsail Area
Our clinic sits at 16150 US Highway 17, Suite C, in Hampstead, next to Atlantic Eye Associates. It’s an easy drive for patients from:
- Hampstead and Scotts Hill: minutes from home, with no trip into Wilmington.
- Surf City, Topsail Beach and North Topsail Beach: a quick ride off Topsail Island and down Highway 17.
- Sneads Ferry and Holly Ridge: convenient for military families, with Tricare East accepted.
- Porters Neck: close by for patients on the north side of Wilmington.
For families who want a provider they know without the wait of a big health system, Shoreline Health is the local choice for annual physicals on the Topsail coast.