What are physical exams?
Physical exams include health screenings and comprehensive evaluations by a qualified healthcare provider. The purpose of physical exams is to detect health problems before serious complications or other medical issues develop. Most insurance plans cover yearly physical exams.
What happens during physical exams?
When you arrive for a physical exam at Complete Care Physicians, you’re greeted by friendly, compassionate staff. Your appointment consists of:
Vital sign check and medical history review
During the first portion of your appointment, your provider weighs you and checks your blood pressure and other vital signs. They review your medical history, including medications you take, past or present medical diagnoses, family history of medical problems, and symptoms you might be experiencing.
Physical examination
During a physical examination, your doctor evaluates different areas of your body including your eyes, ears, throat, breathing, heartbeat, reflexes, limbs, and abdomen.They also offer a pelvic exam and Pap test in women at a separate visit to evaluate reproductive organs and screen for cervical cancer if you’re due for one.
Diagnostic testing
Diagnostic tests help your provider screen for illness, diseases, injuries, and chronic disease risk factors. They might screen you for:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Arthritis
- Certain cancers
- Hormone imbalance
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Wounds and other injuries
- Skin issues
- Asthma and allergies
Your provider might recommend blood tests, urine tests, allergy or asthma tests, electrocardiogram (EKG), X-rays, or other imaging procedures to diagnose a health problem.
Treatment
After your physical examination and diagnostic test results are complete, your doctor lets you know if you’re a candidate for treatment. They might suggest you make healthy lifestyle changes, take medications, or see a specialist.Complete Care Physicians offers birth control for women and can recommend vaccinations.
When should I schedule physical exams?
As a rule, schedule physical exams once yearly. Your doctor might recommend more frequent visits because of a health problem, such as thyroid imbalance, low testosterone, diabetes, or high blood pressure. Schedule an appointment with the experts at Complete Care Physicians if you experience any new or unusual symptoms.
If you or your child is due for an annual physical exam and are over the age of 12, call the Complete Care Physicians office today or book an appointment online.
