* The patient's age and health history: A child's exam will be different and shorter than an elderly person's. Someone with complex medical needs will require a longer exam.
* The reason for the visit: A routine checkup will be shorter than an exam for a specific complaint.
* The physician's style and practice: Some doctors are more thorough than others.
* The availability of additional diagnostic tools: If blood pressure, weight, or other measurements need to be taken, this will add time.
So while 15-30 minutes is a reasonable estimate, it's possible for a basic physical to be shorter or longer.