Physicals - All Ages Specialist

What is a physical exam for patients of all ages?

A physical exam is a routine screening procedure used to check-in on your overall health and well-being. NewMed Immediate Care offers physicals for people of all ages, from infants and children to adults and senior citizens.

Physical exams determine the status of your health. Additionally, they give you a chance to discuss any ongoing pain or symptoms and to build a relationship with your physician.

During a physical, your provider also:

• Checks for possible diseases
• Identifies issues that may become medical problems in the future
• Orders laboratory testing
• Updates your immunizations

Your provider also asks you about your lifestyle, including your diet, exercise routine, and if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illicit drugs.

How do I prepare for an all-ages physical?

It’s important to plan ahead to get the most out of your time at NewMed Immediate Care. Before your physical, gather all of your relevant paperwork, including:

• A list of symptoms or pain you’re experiencing
• Your medical and surgical history
• Names and contact information of your previous providers
• Questions you’d like answered
• Results from any recent laboratory tests

You should also write down a list of all the prescription medications, nutritional supplements, and vitamins you take.

On the day of your appointment, make sure to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. You should also leave any excess jewelry or other accessories at home, that might prevent your NewMed Immediate Care provider from thoroughly examining your body.

What happens during a physical exam?

A physical begins with a review of your medical history. Afterward, your provider physically examines your skin for any unusual marks and growths. Next, you lie down on an exam table, and your provider palpates your abdomen and organs, inspecting their consistency, size, and location.

Then, your provider listens to your heart and respiratory rate with a stethoscope, tests your reflexes, and examines your eyes, nose, ears, and throat. They order a complete blood count (CBC) and a urinalysis and update your immunizations as necessary. If you take medications, your provider can also update your prescriptions at this time.

How often should I schedule an all ages physical?

If you want to preserve your health, NewMed Immediate Care recommends participating in a physical exam at least once a year. This is especially true if you’re over the age of 50.

Many serious health problems, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, don’t present obvious symptoms. This means you might be at risk and not even realize it.

To schedule a physical at NewMed Immediate Care, call the office or book a consultation online today.