Executive Physicals: What Are They? Who Offers Them? Who Are They For?

If you’re responsible for keeping your company's key employees healthy, you know that a serious health issue can devastate both the individual and the business. With the lasting impact of COVID-19, the need for proactive healthcare has never been more urgent.

To keep their workforce productive and reduce the risk of sudden absences, companies across the United States are turning to executive physicals — comprehensive exams designed to catch potential health issues before they become serious problems.

But what exactly is an executive physical, and why should your company consider offering it? As an experienced provider of executive health services for nearly 20 years, we’ve helped protect countless employees, and we’re here to answer your most pressing questions, including:

• What is an executive physical?
• How much does an executive physical cost?
• Who needs executive physicals?
• Are they worth the investment?

Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make an informed decision for your company. 

What is an executive physical? (And why it's crucial for your company's health strategy)

Executive physicals refer to comprehensive annual physical exams designed for companies and their employees who are eligible for this benefit.

These physicals go well beyond the standard annual physical exam that is covered by health insurance plans and aim to identify health problems well before symptoms occur.

These programs typically begin with an in-depth health evaluation that includes advanced lab testing, advanced imaging and screenings, plus specialty consultations that can identify risks even before symptoms occur.

They typically last anywhere from a half-day to multiple days, depending on the provider, and focus on major health risk areas such as heart, vascular, and cancer risk.

Companies often provide executive physicals as part of their benefits package to key employees (or all employees). Executive physicals can help reduce a company's key person risk by helping identify health risks for key employees and can also help improve recruitment and retention efforts. 

Executive physical cost: What you can expect to pay and why it's worth it

The cost of an executive physical typically ranges from $2,000 to $5,000 out-of-pocket at most places, although there are some luxury providers who offer a price tag of up to $10,000.

At PartnerMD, our executive physicals range from $2,700 for an Enhanced Physical to $4,000 for a Signature Physical. We transparently provide our pricing through our online executive physical cost calculator. 

Information gathered from this thorough examination is compiled into a comprehensive package that creates an accurate understanding of the patient’s health status and personal health risks, and helps the patient plot a course to optimal health and performance.

Top providers of executive physicals: Hospitals, regional systems, and concierge medicine

Executive physicals are offered by three types of medical providers – large hospitals, regional health systems, and concierge medicine practices.

Large hospitals attract patients from all over the world. These are world-renowned facilities like the Mayo Clinic or the Cleveland Clinic.

Regional health systems tend to be the dominant healthcare provider within their region and draw their patients from that area. These include health systems like Emory in the Atlanta area, INOVA in Northern Virginia, and Johns Hopkins in Baltimore.

Concierge medicine practices are smaller and more locally focused but draw executives from several regions depending on what makes sense for the company.

Concierge practices see far fewer patients and offer a more intimate atmosphere when compared to the larger hospital systems, while still providing the benefits of an advanced executive physical exam.

Because they are smaller and nimbler, boutique providers can often customize the executive physical and the program much more than a large hospital.

Who benefits most from executive physicals? CEOs, key employees, and rising stars

"Executive physical" can be a misleading name because access to this type of service is not limited to corporate executives.

Yes, most companies do get them for at least their CEO, if not the entire C-Suite, and it can often be a comfortable starting point when just dipping your toes into the world of executive physicals.

But executive physicals can be valuable for key employees further down the corporate ladder, too, including rising stars you want to retain and individual contributors with a unique skill set that is hard to recruit.

Maybe you are a small business with a pair of salespeople who generate most of your revenue. Having them out for an extended period due to a health issue could be devastating.

Or maybe your company has a key person risk problem and losing just one person with an indispensable skillset will severely limit the company. These are instances where the ROI of an executive physical can be particularly high, beyond protecting just the C-Suite.

Executive Physicals at PartnerMD: The foundation of executive health

At PartnerMD, we know that no two companies or executives are the same. That’s why we offer the most customizable executive physicals in the industry, designed to meet the unique health needs of your team.

With over 30 options and two comprehensive levels of service, our physicals are tailored to fit both individual and company requirements.

Our services extend beyond a standard check-up. We provide advanced labs and imaging, such as lipid panels, inflammation markers, and CT heart scans, to give you a clear picture of your team’s health risks.

With genetic testing, cognitive function assessments, and personalized consultations with specialists, we ensure your key employees are well-prepared to thrive under stress and continue performing at their peak.

We serve clients from seven offices in Owings Mills, MD; McLean, VA; Richmond, VA; Midlothian, VA; Short Pump, VA; Greenville, SC; and Sandy Springs, GA.

Ready to learn more about how executive physicals can benefit your company? Download our free guide to executive physicals today.