Physical Exam Specialist

Why do I need a physical exam?

A physical examination helps your provider at Primary Care Associates of Maryland to assess your overall health and wellness. It provides a baseline so that changes in your health become easier to identify in the future. And it’s an opportunity for you and your provider to communicate about your medical status and general well-being.

The team at Primary Care Associates of Maryland also offers specialized physicals, including:

• Sports physicals
• Pre-employment physicals
• Immigration physicals
• Department of Transportation (DOT) physicals

As part of your annual wellness visit, a physical exam allows your provider to monitor existing conditions and detect any new concerns in the early stages when they’re easier to treat. 

What happens during a physical exam?

During a physical exam, your Primary Care Associates of Maryland provider reviews your medical history and asks questions about your health, nutrition, sleep, level of activity, and emotional wellness. They also measure your height and weight and check your blood pressure. 

To perform the exam, your provider uses a stethoscope to listen to your heart, lungs, and stomach, and a lighted scope to view your ears, nose, and throat. They also use their hands to palpate certain parts of your body, check your reflexes, and examine your skin.

What else does my wellness visit include?

In addition to a physical exam, your wellness visit may include blood or urine tests,  immunizations, or a men’s or women’s health exam. Men’s health exams typically include an evaluation of the reproductive organs and prostate. Women’s health exams include a pelvic exam and a breast exam.

Your provider may also perform health screenings based on your age, medical history, and other factors. Standard health screenings include:

• Pap tests (for women)
• Cancer screenings
• Diabetes tests
• Sexually transmitted disease (STD) screenings 

Your wellness visit provides an opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns with your caring provider at Primary Care Associates of Maryland. Your provider may give you educational materials and resources for proper nutrition, exercise requirements, and other steps you can take to promote robust health.

To schedule a wellness visit, a sports physical, or any other type of physical exam at Primary Care Associates of Maryland, call the clinic nearest you, or request an appointment online today.