Physical Examination Specialist

What is a physical examination?

Anytime a doctor checks you over for signs of medical problems, it’s a physical exam. Usually, these checks look for symptoms or conditions connected to illnesses of which you’re unaware. Annual physicals fall into this category, as do exams for pre-employment and sports participation.

At Allied Health Solutions, your physical exam will be conducted by a Doctor, a Nurse Practitioner, or a Physician Assistant. It’s a good time to ask your caregiver about any health-related concerns you may have, even if you’re feeling fine.

There are many tests and checks that can be included as part of a physical examination, and there’s no standard selection of procedures, so each exam you have may be slightly different, based on your recent medical history or the type of exam being performed.

How is a physical exam performed?

Typically, you’ll start by updating your medical history, noting any changes to health or lifestyle since your last visit. Your vital statistics such as blood pressure, pulse, respiration rate, weight, and height are usually taken as part of this visit.

Your caregiver checks your body for growths or unusual markings that may suggest an issue. Even the conversation you have during these tests helps assure you’re in good mental health, responsive, and aware. This is followed by a touch test, checking for areas of tenderness or irregularity with internal organs.

Then your caregiver will use his or her stethoscope to gain insight into your lung and heart performance. The sounds of breathing and heart beating are easy to distinguish, particularly if there are abnormalities. Then the exam may move to the tapping of your body to detect the size and consistency of internal organs, as well as for any abnormal collections of fluid in your abdomen. The Healthcare Professionals may then request routine follow-up screening.

What screening tests usually accompany a physical?

There are many screening tests that may be requested, though these are usually limited to a few common tests unless there’s reason to suspect a particular disease or condition that would be confirmed through an additional testing procedure.

Blood tests can indicate high levels of cholesterol and blood sugar. Checking for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) may be advised for some patients, while other tests are added based on gender or age thresholds.