What Does a Physical Exam Consist Of?

Are you looking for a primary care provider who offers comprehensive physical exams? Annual physical exams are a key part of your preventive health plan, ensuring that you get the routine screenings and specialized care that you need.

At Elite Primary Care, PA, in Greenville, Texas, our experienced physician Asif Aziz, MD, and nurse practitioner Guiselle Berry, FNP, tailor each exam to meet your unique needs. Here, you can learn more about what to expect during your physical exam.

Height, weight, and vital signs

The first step of your physical exam involves measuring your height, weight, and vital signs. Vital signs are basic physiological indicators of your overall health status. The four primary vital signs are:

Body temperature

We measure your body's core temperature using a thermometer. A normal body temperature ranges quite a bit — from 97.8 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit. Deviations from this can indicate acute infections, metabolic issues, or chronic issues.

Pulse rate

Your pulse is the number of times your heart beats per minute, with the average normal pulse ranging from 60 to 100 beats per minute. We typically measure it by feeling your pulse at your wrist, but a device that clips onto your finger can also painlessly measure your pulse. 

Respiratory rate

We count the number of breaths you take per minute. The normal respiratory rate for adults is 12 to 20 breaths per minute.

Blood pressure

This is the pressure that circulating blood exerts on the walls of your blood vessels. Using a sphygmomanometer, we measure your blood pressure, which is expressed as two numbers: systolic pressure (the pressure when the heart contracts) over diastolic pressure (the pressure when the heart relaxes). A normal blood pressure reading is 120/80 mmHg or lower.

Measuring your vitals is an important part of each annual exam because these numbers can indicate current issues and identify trends over time. 

Lifestyle assessment

After gathering your vital signs, we discuss lifestyle habits with you. We may ask how often you exercise, how much sleep you get each night, and if you use tobacco or drink alcohol. These questions give our team an idea of your overall health and wellness and allow us to review any areas of opportunity. 

Personal and family health history

We discuss any health concerns you have, including any unusual symptoms you're experiencing. We also talk about your family health history, which helps us gauge your personal risk factors for certain conditions and can help shape the screening recommendations we provide to you.

Physical exam

During the physical exam itself, we examine your skin, look in your eyes and ears, test your reflexes, assess your muscle strength and range of motion, and gently palpate your organs. Our team also completes gender-specific screenings, such as a breast or prostate exam. 

Lab services

In addition to the physical exam, you may need lab work. Depending on your age, gender, health history, and other factors, Dr. Aziz may order blood work or urinalysis to check for high cholesterol, vitamin deficiency, or hormonal imbalance. At Elite Primary Care, PA, we conveniently offer lab services on site.

Vaccines, prescription medicine, and referrals 

Your physical exam may conclude with immunizations if you’re due for any. If needed, we send a refill for your prescription medications to your pharmacy. While we treat most acute and chronic health problems, if you need more specialized care for a condition, we can refer you to a nearby provider.

Preparing for your physical exam

Our team recommends bringing the following items to your appointment:

• Health insurance information and names of your previous doctors and medical specialists
• Results from any recent medical tests or screenings
• List of any supplements (including herbal), prescription drugs, and vitamins you take
• Information about medical devices or implants (e.g., pacemakers)
• Questions or concerns you have about your health

When was your last physical exam? Call Elite Primary Care, PA, to schedule your appointment today, or book a visit online. Our personalized approach ensures that you receive outstanding care that’s never rushed.