Annual physicals are important for everyone. However, do you know what your primary care physician includes in an examination? While custom-fit to each patient, the physical exam does have some standard components or parts.
Let’s discuss what happens during this head-to-toe assessment.
Why Is a Physical Exam with Your PCP Important?
A physical exam is important because it alerts your healthcare provider to current or possible problems with your health. It also gives your primary care physician baseline data to compare with future exams.
This way, your PCP can more easily detect changes in your health over time. Also, a physical exam identifies risk factors for certain diseases, providing an opportunity for early care and better results.
What Happens During a Physical Exam?
Your healthcare provider will do a head-to-toe assessment of your anatomy and bodily function. Here are the things your physician will look at.
Vital Signs
First, your provider will take your vital signs. Vital signs are your blood pressure, heart rate, respiration, and temperature. These numbers reveal an overall picture of how well your body is functioning.
Head and Neck Exam
You also will undergo an examination of your head and neck area. Your physician will look at the appearance of your eyes, ears, nose, and throat. She will check for any abnormalities, such as lumps or inflammation.
Heart and Lung Assessment
Your healthcare provider will listen to your heart and lungs with a stethoscope. This is called chest auscultation. Auscultation reveals any irregularities, such as an abnormal heart rhythm, wheezing, or shortness of breath.
Abdomen Exam
During the abdominal exam, your doctor will feel or palpate your abdomen. She checks for any tenderness, swelling, or tenderness. For women, a pap smear may be included to test for cervical cancer. For men, the doctor may do a digital rectal exam or DRE to assess prostate health.
Neurological Exam
A neurological exam is a simple test of nerve function, muscle strength, reflexes, balance, and coordination. Your physician may ask you to perform specific movements or touch certain body parts to evaluate these functions.
Skin Exam
Your provider will inspect your skin for changes in texture and color. She will note any new rashes, spots, or other changes.
Skin examinations are the first line of defense against skin cancer. These assessments alert your healthcare provider to chronic problems, such as allergies, acne or rosacea, and other conditions.
Mental Health Assessment
Your overall well-being also includes your mental health. Your doctor may question you about your mood, thoughts and behavior to assess for signs of anxiety, depression or other mental health concerns. She may discuss coping strategies and provide mental health resources, such as counseling, if needed.
For seniors, your provider may do a simple assessment of cognitive function. This can help identify any potential memory issues or other age-related cognitive changes.
Medical History and Medications
You and your doctor will review your medical history, any past surgeries or injuries, and your current medications, including vitamins and supplements. Your PCP may recommend changes, depending on the results of your blood work or other tests.
In addition, you and your provider will discuss habits which may impact your overall health and wellness. These include smoking, diet, exercise routines, alcohol and drug usage, and more. Be open and honest as you talk with your doctor so she knows how to develop your best possible care plan.
Finally, a physical examination includes updating your vaccines. Examples of adult immunizations include:
- Influenza
- Pneumonia
- COVID-19
- Shingles
- DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis)
Other Kinds of Medical Testing
Besides ordering blood work to check for metabolic diseases, such as diabetes or high cholesterol, your healthcare provider will order the following, if needed:
- X-rays
- EKG
- Urinalysis
Depending on your test results, your PCP may change or add medications, refer you to a specialist or prescribe physical therapy and other treatments. Follow up with your doctor regularly to monitor how your treatment plan is working and to make changes if needed.
Physical Exam in Dallas, TX
At Prime Internal Medicine Associates, our compassionate internists believe that the physical examination is the foundation of excellent healthcare. We encourage you to get this important assessment at least once a year.
We are dedicated to patients’ long-term care and wellness and ensure each of our patients is treated on an individual and personal level. We utilize a combination of advanced evidence-based medical care alongside holistic treatment methods such as natural supplements and lifestyle changes to improve health and well-being.
For more information or to schedule your physical exam, call us today at (972) 239-5445 or use our appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
