Screening and Physical exam

Screening and Physical exam Treatment & Diagnostics in Sadashiv Peth, Pune

Screening and Physical exam

A screening and physical examination is a test performed by your doctor for checking your overall health. It can also be performed by a physician assistant or a nurse practitioner. Also known as the wellness check, you are not required to be sick for requesting this exam. Several tests are performed during the screening and physical exam.

Why should you get a physical exam annually?

Through the physical examination, your doctor is able to determine your health’s general status. It also gives you an opportunity to talk about any symptoms or pain that you have been experiencing or any health concerns you have. It is recommended that you undergo a screening and physical examination at least once a year, especially if you are over 50. Through these exams, the doctor will be able to:

• Identify issues that might be concerning in the future
• Check for diseases that can be treated early
• Update required immunizations
• Ensure that you have a healthy exercise routine and diet

These exams are also used for checking your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. Even if you don’t show any symptoms or signs, these levels might be high. By regular screening, your doctor will be able to treat these conditions before they get severe. A physical exam is also performed before you start a treatment for a condition or before surgery.

Preparation

By preparing for your screening and physical exam, you can make the most of your time. Here are some tips that you must know beforehand:

• All the medications you are currently taking, including prescribed and over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements.
• Pain or symptoms that you have been experiencing.
• Results from any tests that you have recently taken
• Surgical and medical history
• Bring a copy of your device card, if you have an implanted device like a defibrillator or pacemaker.

Wear comfortable clothes and don’t have excess makeup, jewelry, or anything that would disrupt the examination.

Procedure

Before the doctor starts the examination, a nurse will be asking you questions regarding your medical history which includes past surgeries, any symptoms you might have, and allergies. They might also ask you about your lifestyle like if you smoke, drink alcohol, or exercise. The doctor will begin the exam by taking a look at your body for unusual growth or marks. Next, they will make you lie down and feel your other body parts like the abdomen. During this, they will be inspecting the location, size, consistency, texture, and tenderness of your organs.

Then, they will use a stethoscope for listening to other body parts including listening to the lungs while you are taking deep breaths. They will also listen to your heart to check for abnormal sounds. By listening to the heart’s rhythm, the doctor will be able to evaluate your valve and heart function.

They also use a technique called ‘percussion’ in which they tap your body like a drum. It helps in discovering fluids in areas that shouldn’t have them and locate the consistency, borders, and size of your organs. They will also check your pulse, weight, and height.

If you have any concerns, you need to communicate them to your doctor. Depending on what they find during the screening and physical examination, you might need another screening or test.

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Pune

Call 1860-500-2244 to book an appointment

References:

https://www.healthline.com/health/physical-examination#

https://www.healthline.com/find-care/articles/primary-care-doctors/getting-physical-examination

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK361/