Routine examinations conducted on an annual basis to assess the general physical condition of an individual and detect abnormalities. General physicals vary, but most involve a discussion of any concerns the patient may be having; checking vital signs (temperature, blood pressure, heart rate and respiration rate), weight and general appearance; heart and lung exams using a stethoscope; a head and neck exam that looks at the throat, teeth and gums, ears, sinuses, eyes, lymph nodes, thyroid and carotid arteries; an abdominal exam that uses palpation to detect liver size, the presence of abdominal fluid or tenderness; a visual examination of the extremities; and breast and pelvic exams for women, testicular and prostate exams for men. The annual physical exam also provides an opportunity to refocus attention on prevention and screening and routine laboratory tests may be suggested.

Programs that link people who are in need of medical care, nursing care, dental care or other types of health care services with qualified practitioners.

Programs that provide information that improves the public's understanding of living and working conditions and other factors that safeguard their health and prevent or reduce the risk of injury, disease, disability and premature death. Health education programs help people make informed decisions about matters which affect their personal health and the health of others. They inform the public of health and safety hazards, help people modify behaviors that compromise their health, encourage people to take advantage of early detection programs and provide information about treatment and rehabilitation options for people who have an illness, injury or disability. They also provide anticipatory information or guidance to help people deal with and understand specific medical procedures, being hospitalized or other necessary interfaces with the health care system.

Programs that help people navigate through the maze of doctors' offices, clinics, hospitals, outpatient centers, insurance and payment systems, patient-support organizations and other components of the health care system with the objective of supporting timely delivery of quality care and ensuring that patients, survivors and families are satisfied with their encounters with the health care system. Personal health care advocates are trained health care workers, often nurses, or volunteers familiar with the health care system who work independently of any health care institution. They help patients identify specialists, coordinate appointments with providers to assure timely delivery of diagnostic and treatment services, provide "cheat sheets" of questions, and lay out the choices patients have in plain English. They may also ensure that appropriate medical records are available at scheduled appointments, accompany patients to medical appointments, arrange language translation or interpretation services, facilitate financial support and help with paperwork, negotiate insurance claims, arrange transportation and/or child/elder care, provide access to clinical trials and facilitate linkages to follow-up services. Some programs contract with employers to serve as personal advocates for employees who are ill. Others work exclusively with individuals who have specific illnesses, e.g., cancer.

Programs that are staffed by specialists in the field of medicine that is concerned with the total health of the individual within the home environment and in the community. Practitioners of family and community medicine provide comprehensive medical care including preventive services with particular emphasis on the family unit, in which the physician's continuing responsibility for health care is not limited by the patient's age or gender, nor by a particular organ system or disease entity.

Individuals who are generally between the ages of 18 and 25 depending on the ages that specific programs use for qualification.

Individuals or families whose annual income is between 150 and 200% of poverty level for their family size.