Physical Exam

What's a Physical Exam?

A physical exam is one of the three major components of any patient visit; the other two are a health history and patient education. Hands-on -- as the name implies -- a physical exam should include activities such as looking in the eyes, ears nose and throat, listening to the patient's heart and lungs, and a visual inspection of things like skin color and condition. Most physical exams also include a check of reflexes in the extremities, and may include activities like a cognitive exam for dementia.

How Often Do I Need a Physical Exam?

Although children need physical exams more frequently for the first two years, from the age of three to adulthood, most people need an exam about once a year. At that point, many healthy adults may need an exam every two years. However, people with chronic health conditions often need to be seen more frequently. A physical exam, in this context, means a full-body examination, rather than the more limited exam that may occur when a patient sees a doctor for a problem like a cold or muscle strain.

Do Men and Women Need Different Physical Exams?

Reproductive issues are the primary driver of differences in physical exams for adult men and women. For example, women should have annual or biannual pelvic exams, while men need regular prostate exams, especially as they grow older. In other respects, the physical exam is the same for both. Medical issues, rather than sex, may also drive some differences -- a patient with heart disease or asthma may need a more extensive examination of the heart and lungs.

What About Special Physicals and Services?

Although an adult physical covers all the basics and is a true comprehensive exam, some physicals are more narrow in focus. Special physicals and services offered at Delta Medical Clinic include:

• DOT Exams, required for the operation of commercial motor vehicles.
• Well-woman exam, focused on a woman's reproductive health and screening for cervical cancer and sexually transmitted disease.
• Vaccines, including: Flu Shots, Pneumovax (pneumonia recommended for all adults over age 65), Tdap (protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis).  
• Specialist testing, including: EKG/ECG (heart activity), spirometry testing (for lung function), drug testing, on-site lab diagnostics, ultrasound, nerve conductivity tests, Sudoscan (Diabetic Small Fiber Neuropathy and Autonomic Dysfunction),