Executive Physical: What It Includes, What It Costs, and Who It Is For
An executive physical is a longer, more detailed health exam that combines a full physical, expanded lab work, and extended time with your doctor in a single visit. It is designed to look for early risk factors for conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, rather than only checking for problems you already have.
At Next Health, Dr. Habib leads every executive physical at our Ashburn, Virginia, and Bethesda, Maryland, offices. This guide explains what the exam includes, what it may cost, and what research says about its value.
Key Takeaways
- An executive physical is an extended preventive exam, usually done in one coordinated visit, that goes beyond a routine annual checkup.
- A 2019 JAMA study found that 32 of 50 top-ranked U.S. hospitals (64 percent) offered executive physical packages, priced from $1,700 to $10,000.
- The same study found that many commonly included tests are recommended only for certain groups or have limited evidence, so the tests chosen for you matter.
- At Next Health, Dr. Habib leads the exam, which includes a physical, a one-on-one consultation, and up to 15 advanced tests.
- Executive physicals are often paid for by employers or patients directly, so confirm coverage with your insurer before you book.
- Next Health offers the exam in Ashburn, VA, and Bethesda, MD.
What Is an Executive Physical?
An executive physical is an extended preventive health exam, sometimes called an executive physical exam, executive health exam, or executive medical exam, that bundles a physical, lab tests, and screenings into one visit. It began as a perk for corporate leaders, but individuals can purchase one too.
A 2019 JAMA study described these exams as one- to two-day evaluations offered by academic medical centers, freestanding companies and luxury spas. Among the 50 top-ranked hospitals the authors reviewed, 32 offered a package.
At Next Health, the exam is led by Dr. Habib, a physician with more than 30 years of experience in internal medicine, functional medicine, and longevity care. You can read more about Dr. Habib and the clinic.
What Is Included in an Executive Physical at Next Health?
The exam includes a full physical, a review of your medical history and symptoms, a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Habib, and up to 15 advanced tests, all in one visit. Your exact tests depend on your history and goals. Testing areas can include:
- Biological age and DNA age, which you can read about on our DNA Age and Bio Age pages
- Heart and blood vessel health, including advanced cholesterol particle testing that looks beyond a standard lipid panel, as described in our Advanced Cardiac Program
- Cancer markers
- Genetic variants, including MTHFR
- Food sensitivities and inflammation levels
- Insulin resistance
- Hormone balance, immune function and organ health
- Toxic burden and nutrient levels
Your results feed into a personalized plan. Depending on what the tests show, that plan may include options such as regenerative therapies or IV vitamin therapy.
Not every test carries the same level of evidence. Ask why each test is recommended for you and what you would do differently based on the result.
How Is an Executive Physical Different From an Annual Physical?
An annual physical usually covers vital signs, a physical exam, and a limited set of routine labs that follow standard screening schedules. An executive physical adds more time with the doctor, a wider test panel, and a personalized plan.
Large programs describe a similar approach. Mayo Clinic’s Executive Health Program starts with a review of medical, family and social history plus a complete physical exam, then builds a customized testing itinerary. The difference comes down to depth and personalization, and the value depends on which tests are chosen.
Can an Executive Physical Help Catch Disease Early?
It may help identify risk factors earlier, but the benefit depends on the specific test, and more testing does not always lead to better outcomes. The JAMA study compared commonly included tests with recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. It found that many services were recommended only for certain groups or had insufficient evidence.
That does not make early testing pointless. The CDC reports that three in four U.S. adults have at least one chronic condition (data through 2023). It also links many preventable chronic diseases to smoking, poor nutrition, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol use.
A detailed exam may help you and your doctor spot rising risk and act on habits sooner. No exam can guarantee that you will avoid disease, and results should always be reviewed in the context of your own health.
How Much Does an Executive Physical Cost?
Prices vary widely. In the 2019 JAMA study of top-ranked hospitals, executive physical packages cost between $1,700 and $10,000, based on 2018 to 2019 data, so current prices may differ. Cost depends on the number of tests, the length of the visit, and the type of provider.
At Next Health, pricing depends on which tests and follow-up programs fit your goals. The most direct way to get an exact number is to book a free discovery call or contact our team.
Does Insurance Cover Executive Physicals?
Often not in full. Executive physicals are commonly paid for by employers or by patients directly, and coverage depends on your plan and on which parts of the exam your insurer treats as preventive care.
Ask your insurer which tests are covered, and ask the clinic for an itemized list of what is included before you book. That way you know what to expect before the visit.
Are Executive Physicals Worth It?
It depends on what you want from the exam and how the results will be used. They may be worth it for people who want a detailed baseline, have a strong family history of disease, or want extended time with a physician. They may be less useful if testing leads to follow-up on findings that are unlikely to matter.
The JAMA authors cautioned that packages at influential hospitals could promote low-value care when tests without strong evidence are included. Before you book, ask these questions:
- Which tests are included, and why are they right for me?
- What would I do differently based on each result?
- What follow-up could a normal or abnormal result lead to?
Who Should Consider an Executive Physical?
You may be a good candidate if any of these describe you:
- You have not had an in-depth checkup in years, even if your last basic physical looked fine
- You have a family history of heart disease, cancer, or diabetes and want to understand your own risk
- You are a busy professional who wants a thorough evaluation in one visit
- You want a plan based on measured data rather than guessing at supplements and trends
Ask Dr. Habib how the exam fits with the screenings your primary care doctor already recommends.
Where Can I Get an Executive Physical Near Me in Virginia and Maryland?
Next Health offers the executive physical at two offices serving Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland.
Ashburn, Virginia
44121 Leesburg Pike, Suite 115, Ashburn, VA 20147
Phone: 703.724.4000
Bethesda, Maryland
5101 River Road, Suite 106, Bethesda, MD 20816
Phone: 301.986.1000
To ask about the exam, schedule a free discovery call. You can also read why patients choose Next Health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who performs the exam at Next Health?
Dr. Habib leads every executive physical at Next Health. The exam includes a physical, a review of your history and symptoms, a one-on-one consultation with him, and up to 15 advanced tests in a single visit.
How long does an executive physical take?
It depends on the program. Large hospital programs can run one to three days, according to Mayo Clinic. At Next Health, the exam is completed in a single visit, and the team can tell you how much time to set aside for the tests chosen for you.
How should I prepare for an executive physical?
Bring a list of your medications and supplements, past lab results, and any family history of heart disease, cancer, or diabetes. Ask the clinic before your visit whether you need to fast, since requirements depend on the tests scheduled.
How often should I have an executive physical?
There is no single schedule that fits everyone. Some programs describe the exam as an annual event, while the right timing for you depends on your age, risk factors, and prior results. Dr. Habib can help you decide.
Can I get an executive physical if I am not an executive?
Yes. The exam started as a perk for corporate leaders, but JAMA researchers note that individuals can also purchase executive physicals. At Next Health, the exam is built around your history and goals, not your job title.
What happens after my results come back?
Your results are reviewed with Dr. Habib and used to build a personalized plan. Depending on what your tests show, the plan may include follow-up care at Next Health. The plan is based on your results, and outcomes vary from person to person.
