A regular physical exam is done to ensure you remain healthy. A physical examination can also be preventive. It helps you stay up-to-date with vaccinations or diagnose a serious condition such as diabetes or cancer before they advance into worse problems.
When you go for a physical, the physician will also examine your vitals, including your heart rate, weight and blood pressure.
The physician will use the exam to check the performance of your body. Based on your medical history, the doctor may choose to attend to specific areas. If there is a family record of heart disease, for instance, you may get extra blood tests, blood pressure checks and diabetes and cholesterol tests.
Depending on your results, medical records and age, the routine exam is a chance to talk about preventive care with your primary caregiver.
Depending on your condition, a routine physical exam may include:
The physician will ask for information regarding any differences and changes in your health history. The questions may include info about medications, allergies, supplements, jobs and relationships, or any recent surgical procedures.
This entails checking the blood pressure reading, respiratory rate and health rate. You should have your blood pressure checked once a year or every three years, depending on your medical history.
The doctor will examine your physical appearance for indications of a potential issue. They will usually focus on the areas of the body that visually show any present health condition. These include the head, eyes, chest, abdomen, nervous system functions and musculoskeletal system.
Using medical devices, the doctor will check your ears, eyes, nose and throat. They will also listen to your lungs and heart. The physical exam comprises of touching parts of your body for abnormalities, checking your hair, skin and nails, examining your rectum and genitalia and testing your reflexes and motor functions.
To finalize your physical exam, the physician may take blood samples for multiple laboratory tests. This may include a total blood count and total metabolic panel, also known as a chemistry panel. The panel examines your blood plasma and can show any problem present in your liver, kidneys, immune system and blood chemistry. This helps to discover abnormalities in the body that might be the sign of a bigger issue.
The doctor may ask for a thyroid screen and a diabetes screen. If you are highly predisposed to heart attack, stroke or heart disease, then they may ask for a lipid panel (cholesterol screening).
Screening tests are usually part of the physical exam, and they can vary depending on your biological sex.
For women, the screenings include:
Screenings for men include:
Both men and women:
A regular physical exam, especially as you age, can help avert may health complications. It will also prepare you for any potential issues you may be predisposed to due to aging, family history or lifestyle.
Request an appointment here: https://primarycarefriscotx.com or call Delc Medical Center at (469) 287-4509 for an appointment in our Frisco office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Pap smears support women's health by helping detect cervical cell changes early, often before symptoms appear. This simple screening test checks cells from the cervix for abnormalities that may develop into cervical cancer without proper monitoring or treatment. Regular screening gives patients and providers important information about cervical health and helps guide the next steps…
Chronic disease management is essential for controlling long-term health conditions and preventing complications that can disrupt daily life. Conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and arthritis require ongoing care and a proactive approach to maintain stability with structured support from a general practitioner or internal medicine provider. Patients can manage symptoms effectively, improve quality…
Hypertension treatment often includes prescription medications designed to lower blood pressure and reduce long-term strain on the heart, brain, kidneys, and blood vessels. The medication a doctor prescribes will depend on a variety of factors, including health history and how far the blood pressure sits above the target goal. The focus is always on steady…
Non-surgical weight loss offers a modern approach to managing body weight without the need for invasive procedures. This strategy may be appealing for safety, treatment flexibility, and sustainable results. Many programs offer comprehensive strategies that align with your unique long-term health goals rather than short-term fads or quick fixes. The first step is for patients…
Pap smears play an important role in preventive women's health by detecting cervical changes before…
Chronic disease management is essential for controlling long-term health conditions and preventing complications that can…
Many patients benefit from incorporating medication into their hypertension treatment.
One of the most significant benefits of non-surgical weight loss is the reduced risks, particularly…
Bariatric medicine treats obesity as a chronic medical condition, and programs combine clinical evaluation, nutrition,…
Understanding the core factors behind diabetes treatment can make everyday decisions feel simpler and more…