These used to be called “physical examinations” which included a full body examination once per year. The purpose of these examinations was preventative in nature. The doctor would make sure that your body was functioning as it should, and would address any concerns or issues as needed. 

The goal was to catch bigger issues early and to build a better relationship between the doctor and the patient. These appointments generally took 1 hour of time to complete no matter the age or situation of a patient.

However, the Ontario Government realized that the needs of different patients varied depending on age and circumstance and that not everyone needed a physical examination every year.

They still understood the need for doctors to be able to build better relationships and for preventative medicine though, so they changed the name from “physical examinations” to a “personal health visit” and made some minor changes.

Doctors can now decide the length of appointment necessary depending on the patient’s age and health profile. Patients with chronic conditions may need more time to thoroughly assess their health. However, healthy patients with no medical concerns may not need to be physically examined every year but can still visit the doctor to discuss overall health and preventative options available. The doctor now has more choices on how to assess each patient.