Physical Exams, Pre-Employment Physicals, And DOT Physicals Specialist

Why is it important to have an annual physical exam?

Your annual physical exam is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your long-term health and well-being. During your annual checkup, you and your doctor review your health and well-being, do routine health screenings, and discussing any changes. Your doctor compares your current health to your medical records to check for warning signs of illness so that if necessary, an illness can be diagnosed and treated in its early stages.

Many illnesses and medical conditions don’t cause symptoms in their early and more easily-treated stages. For example, if you have high blood pressure, you might not know until it’s too late and you have a serious cardiac episode. But if you have your blood pressure is elevated at your annual physical exam, you and your doctor can start treatment to lower your blood pressure as soon as possible, preventing more serious symptoms and complications.

Many employers and the DOT require pre-employment or routine annual physicals to ensure you’re fit and healthy enough to perform the duties of your job. In addition to the normal physical check on your vitals, the DOT requires your vision and hearing to be examined. You may also be required to provide a urine sample. Both the DOT and other employers provide specific paperwork for your doctor to complete.

What should I expect during a physical exam?

Your doctor may ask you to have blood drawn a week or so before your appointment to check your cholesterol and glucose levels. An annual physical exam typically begins with a few routine health screenings like checking your weight and blood pressure.

The next step is a physical examination. Your doctor listens to your heart and lungs and observes your eyes, skin, and movement. Your doctor may palpate your abdomen to feel your liver and other internal organs.

Your doctor will ask you questions about your overall well-being during your exam. The doctor will want to know about your diet and exercise habits and if you smoke or use tobacco products. This is a great opportunity to talk to your doctor about any concerns you have about your physical or emotional well-being.

What health screenings should I have during my physical exam?

You should have the following health screenings annually:

• Weight/BMI
• Blood pressure
• Cholesterol levels
• Glucose levels

You should talk to your doctor about how frequently you need to have the following screenings. Depending on your risk level, you may need to have screenings more frequently.

• Vision
• Hearing
• Pap smears
• Mammograms
• Prostate screening including PSA levels and/or digital exams
• Colorectal cancer
• Skin cancer
• Sexually transmitted diseases

Call or schedule your next annual physical exam online today.