Physical Exams Specialist

What are physical exams?

Physical exams, which are also called check-ups, are visits to your primary care physician involving a general overview of your health, wellness, and functioning. There are a few specific reasons to get a physical exam, but you can also get them yearly for your own benefit.

During a standard physical exam at South Texas Family Medicine and Urgent Care Center, your provider performs a series of short, simple tests after a brief discussion about your medical history. Most physical exams, regardless of their purposes, include:

• Height and weight measurements
• Vital signs measurements (heart rate, temperature, blood pressure)
• Ear, nose, and throat examination
• Skin examination
• Listening to your heart and lungs with a stethoscope 
• Palpating different parts of your body for fluid buildup and other abnormalities
• Motor function and reflex test

There may be other tests you need during your physical exam according to your age, reason for getting the exam, and pre-existing health concerns. You might need gender-specific tests, like a pelvic exam or prostate exam, and various screening tests according to your risk factors. 

When should I get a physical exam?

Physical exams are available to patients at South Texas Family Medicine and Urgent Care Center for any reason you may need them. A few of the most common types of physicals at South Texas Family Medicine and Urgent Care Center include:

Department of Transportation (DOT) physicals

A DOT physical is a physical exam with a goal of determining if it’s safe for you to operate a commercial vehicle. Your results tell the DOT that you can perform your job duties safely and if you need any special health considerations to do so. The results are valid for 24 months. 

Pre-employment physicals

Pre-employment physicals are often required by employers. The results of the physical exam tell your employer that you can safely meet the job’s requirements with or without medical accommodations. 

School physicals

School physicals are required for children and adolescents before enrollment every school year. 

Sports physicals

If you or your child plays a sport or engages in any physical activity, a sports physical can confirm that it’s safe for you to participate. Many sports organizations and school teams require sports physicals for participation, but you can get one on your own terms if you want to be sure you’re exercising safely.

Preoperative physicals

The team at South Texas Family Medicine and Urgent Care Center offers preoperative physicals to clear you for surgery.  

What happens after my physical exam?

If you’re getting a physical exam for an employer, school, or organization, the team at South Texas Family Medicine and Urgent Care Center gives you the documentation of your results. In any case, the team also gives you advice to use at home while improving your lifestyle to be healthier.

Give South Texas Family Medicine and Urgent Care Center a call to schedule your next physical exam or book your visit online right away.