Physical Exams Specialist

What are physical exams?

A physical exam provides you and your healthcare provider with an overview of your current state of health. During a physical exam, your provider performs minor tests and takes measurements to gather details about how well your body functions.

If you get physical exams annually, you can track the changes in your body’s functioning over time. During any given physical exam, your provider can identify unusual changes or occurrences that might call for further testing. In some cases, they can make a diagnosis immediately and start treatment for a condition affecting you.

Since you don’t have to wait until symptoms show up to identify issues during a physical exam, you can begin treatment when your condition is in its earliest stages. Doing so often results in better treatment outcomes. 

What can I expect during my physical exam appointment?

At RescueMD, your physical exam consists of several key components. At your appointment, your provider performs:

Medical History Review
The healthcare provider typically begins by reviewing the patient’s medical history, including past illnesses, surgeries, medications, allergies, and family medical history. This information helps identify any predispositions to certain conditions and guides further assessment and recommendations.

Vital Signs Check
Vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature are measured to assess basic physiological functions and detect abnormalities.

Physical Examination
A thorough physical examination is conducted to assess various organ systems and detect any signs of illness or abnormalities. This may include examining the head, neck, chest, abdomen, extremities, and skin for any abnormalities, lumps, or unusual findings.

Laboratory Tests
Depending on the individual’s age, medical history, and risk factors, laboratory tests such as blood tests, urine tests, and screening tests for conditions like diabetes or high cholesterol may be ordered.

Screening Tests
Depending on the individual’s age and gender, screening tests such as mammograms, Pap smears, colonoscopies, and other preventive screenings may be recommended to detect early signs of certain diseases like cancer or cardiovascular conditions.

Counseling and Education
Physical exams often include counseling on healthy lifestyle practices, such as diet, exercise, smoking cessation, and preventive measures, such as vaccinations and screenings.

Why should I schedule regular physical exams?

Physical exams play a crucial role in preventive medicine by facilitating early detection of health problems, providing opportunities for interventions to prevent disease progression, and promoting overall health and well-being. The frequency and components of physical exams may vary depending on individual health needs and guidelines from healthcare organizations.

RescueMD is pleased to offer physical exams to our patients in Allen, McKinney, Dallas, Frisco, Plano, and the surrounding areas.