Physical Examination Specialist in Beckley, WV

Physical exams are an important part of a regular health care regime. Not only do they provide you with a consistent, routine outlet to talk to your doctor about any health concerns or symptoms you need to be aware of, but your doctor will also perform a series of tests and checks. These observations are done to monitor for any abnormalities which could be signs of more serious conditions or issues that need further testing or investigating.
 
Physical exams are used primarily as a preventative measure in order to catch early signs of some health conditions that can go undiagnosed until it is too late due to the lack of obvious symptoms or symptoms being mistaken for something else. The specifics of what is included in a physical exam can differ from one person to another depending on their age, gender, overall health, medical history, and the doctor.
 
A typical physical exam will include a check of the standard vital signs such as looking in the ears, mouth, and throat, checking the lymph nodes on the neck, listening to the heart rate and the lungs, and a test of the reflexes. The doctor will also ask about your general health and if you have any concerns or changes to your health since your last physical exam.

There are many different physical exams that are performed by a doctor for different reasons. For children under the age of 5, annual physical exams are often referred to as well-child visits. Once children reach school age, they may need a school physical to check and monitor any health issues that the school needs to be made aware of.
 
For schools, having updated records of a child’s health will ensure that they are prepared in the instance of a child getting sick or injured at school. As children grow into adolescents and teenagers, they may also be required to provide a sports physical, particularly if they are participating in the league or competitive sports. This can be required either by the school or through an extracurricular club that they are registered in.
 
When it comes to adults, there is the standard physical exam that is performed on an annual basis, or even every couple of years depending on your doctor and your general health and medical history. Some workplaces may also require their employees to complete a pre-employment physical, as well as regular monitoring of the employee’s health.
 
This is particularly true in jobs that are physically demanding, have a high level of risk, or for jobs that involve a lot of driving, such as bus drivers and transport drivers. Physical exams will also vary between men and women due to the differences in their reproductive systems and the way they function.

The actual specifics of a physical exam will vary based on the type of physical being performed, as certain physical exams such as a sports physical or pre-employment physical are screening patients for different health factors that could impact their ability to participate in a sport or complete their job tasks.
 
Most physical exams will consist of a check of the standard vital signs, including the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and throat, as well as the patient’s heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory or lung function. A physical exam can also include measuring and recording the patient’s height and weight. Additional testing may be required as part of the exam process, which can include blood tests and urinalysis to screen for medical issues and the presence of drugs in the system. Drug screening is often a component of employment physicals as this can impact a person’s ability to do their job and potentially put the lives of others at risk.
 
If you require a physical exam, the team at Beckley Internal Medicine will be able to complete the exam and provide you with any paperwork that is needed. Reach out to our team to book your physical exam today, either by giving us a call or booking your appointment online. We serve patients from Beckley WV, Baylor WV, Bradley WV, Stanaford WV, Lester WV, and Beaver WV.