2750 Bella Vita Dr. Hartland, MI 48353

Physical Examination

A physical exam checks your overall health. During a physical examination your healthcare provider will evaluate the basic function of your organs, address any concerns, update your vaccinations and help you get healthy or maintain good health. Physical exams take about 30 minutes to complete and are recommended to have at least once a year.

In today’s corporate medical industry, finding old fashioned personalized healthcare care can be challenging. Recognizing this need, the experienced medical professionals at Hartland Medicine we provide big healthcare experience with small practice attention to each patient. Contact us and schedule a physical examination with a board certified injury doctor today.

What is a physical exam?

A physical exam is an evaluation of your overall health. A primary care provider performs a physical exam. This exam focuses on preventive care so you can get to good health or maintain it. If your provider suspects a health concern or you have a concern, they may refer you to see a specialist or offer tests to learn more about your symptoms. You don’t have to be ill to get a physical exam.

Other terms that refer to a physical exam include:

  • Well-check or wellness check.
  • Checkup.
  • Preventive care visit.
  • Annual physical exam.
  • Routine physical exam.
  • Pre-employment physical exam.

Physical Exam Checklist

A healthcare provider will check your general health, which includes your:

  • Skin.
  • Eyes and ears.
  • Nose and mouth.
  • Heart.
  • Lungs.
  • Abdomen.
  • Feet.
  • Nervous system.
  • Mental health.

For men or people assigned male at birth (AMAB), a healthcare provider may check your genitals and prostate. For women or people assigned female at birth (AFAB), your provider may perform a breast exam.

The Importance of a Physical Exam

Physical exams serve to:

  • Assess your overall health.
  • Provide guidance on achieving or maintaining good health.
  • Identify potential health issues or address existing symptoms.
  • Administer vaccines or immunizations.
  • Validate your health status for jobs requiring a pre-employment physical or sports needing a sports physical.

How often do I need a physical exam?

Most healthcare providers recommend you get a physical exam each year (annually).

What is the difference between a sports physical and an annual physical exam?

A sports physical is a type of physical exam that focuses on your current health status and checks to see if you’re healthy enough to play a sport. A sports physical uses some of the same methods as an annual physical but mainly focuses on checking your:

  • Height and weight.
  • Vision and hearing.
  • Muscle and bone health.

Your provider may examine your flexibility and strength during a sports physical, which isn’t usually looked at during an annual physical exam.

What should I bring to my physical exam?

You can prepare for your physical exam by making a list of the following and bringing it with you to the appointment:

  • Current medications or supplements and any prescriptions needing refills.
  • Known allergies.
  • Symptoms, their occurrence, duration, and any relief measures.
  • Previous test and lab results.
  • Blood pressure or blood sugar readings, if tracked.
  • Medical and surgical history.
  • Questions regarding your health.
  • Contact details of your other healthcare providers.

If your physical is a sports or pre-employment exam, bring the necessary paperwork for your healthcare provider to sign.