Physical Exam Specialist

What is a physical exam?

A physical exam is a preventive care check-up. In other cases, a physical exam can be instrumental in understanding the root of a medical concern and illness.

Using the information culled from your medical and family history, your doctor at Arlington Family Practice discusses with you the steps you may or may not need to take to get your health back to normal. These steps typically depend on your age, health, blood work, and medical history.

Why are physical exams important?

Your doctor considers physical exams crucial in assessing the current state of your health. Your doctor might also suggest a physical for any of the following reasons.

• Scan for diseases
• Update immunizations
• Identify early stage issues that have the potential of evolving
• Track your nutritional health and physical activity

If your practitioner has told you that need to have surgery, you should book a physical exam before the procedure to make sure you’re in good enough health to withstand the stresses of the operation.

How do I prepare for a physical exam?

Since your practitioner at Arlington Family Practice considers the entirety of your medical history to determine the current state of your health, you should have some vital paperwork and information handy. This can include, but is not limited to:

• Recent test results
• Surgical and medical history
• The contact information of doctors you’ve visited recently
• Current medications, prescription and over-the-counter
• Any school forms you need your doctor to sign off on

You should also be ready to discuss any symptoms you might have. This will help your doctor focus on affected areas.

Since a physical exam is a full body examination, make sure to arrive with non-cumbersome clothing and minimal jewelry.

What does a physical exam involve?

At the root of the physical exam is a conversation with your doctor at Arlington Family Practice about your current health status. You can discuss any discomfort, worries, or hopes you may have.

Your practitioner checks your weight, pulse, height, blood pressure, and examines your body for any irregular growths or marks. This can include an examination of your abdomen or other parts of your body to check the health, location, texture, and size of your organs.

Using a stethoscope, a team member at Arlington Family Practice can track the rhythm of your heart. Your doctor can also use this device to listen to your lungs and intestines.

In other cases, a physical exam might involve a series of blood work to evaluate your blood-sugar levels and cholesterol.

Get in touch with the team at Arlington Family Practice today by phone or online to book a physical exam.