Physical Exams
Physical examinations (or “exams”) are used by physicians and primary care providers to diagnose health issues of the patients they see and treat. Physical exams are also instrumental in proactive health screening and preventive care (often referred to as “Preventive Health Examinations” or “PHE”).
These types of exams, however, are no longer synonymous with just diagnostic or preventative care as they are increasingly being used in other applications. Pre-employment physical examinations are used to screen potential job candidates, Department of Transportation (DOT) physicals are required to qualify for a commercial vehicle driver’s license, and sports physicals are used to assess if players are cleared to play in their respective sports.
Mandatory protocols around physical exams are being integrated in work, school and play and Integra Urgent Care offers these types of exams in our three Dallas/Fort Worth-area clinics in Las Colinas/Irving, Grand Prairie and Weatherford.
What is a physical examination?
A physical examination (or “medical examination”) is when a qualified medical practitioner examines a patient using a series of tests and questions to identify an acute illness, acute injury or symptoms that might indicate a medical condition(s) that needs to be further investigated, such as marks, growths, tenderness, bruising, and inflammation.
These exams are usually prompted by a patient experiencing some type of injury or illness they want examined by a healthcare professional for treatment options. Physical exams can also be proactively prompted in the form of a “wellness checks” or “yearly physicals” to determine levels of health in a person and address any notable changes and potential areas of concern.
What is the purpose of the physical examination?
Physical exams provide a methodology to diagnose a patient’s overall health and identify any acute and/or existing conditions of concern that need to be addressed and treated. Routine evaluations to monitor potential risk factors (lifestyle-related or genetic) can also help reduce the incidence of life-threatening or chronic illnesses.
A physical examination offers health benefits to patients beyond the identification and treatment of acute injuries and acute illnesses, such as:
- Staying up-to-date on immunizations
- Monitoring overall health and any changes (blood pressure, heart rate, weight, height, condition of the eyes, condition of the ears, condition of the lungs, condition of the heart, etc.)
- Avoiding extra costs of healthcare by reducing/eliminating chronic health conditions through proactive healthcare and monitoring
- Regular assessment of current lifestyle
- Developing an honest relationship with a primary care physician/healthcare professional
The most common reasons for physical health examination (PHE) requests at an urgent care clinic are:
- Annual health check
- Pre-employment testing
- Department of Transportation (DOT) physical
- Sports physical
- School physical
- Update necessary immunizations
- Pre-surgery or pre-procedure exam request by a physician
What should you expect when going for an annual physical examination or health check? How is it performed?
An annual health check at Integra Urgent Care involves several steps:
- Gathering patient information:
• Past and family medical history
• Possible allergies
• Pre-existing conditions
• Immunization records
• Previous tests or treatments performed (if applicable)
• Current medication - Physical examination and recording of vital signs to determine baseline level of health Blood pressure, heart rate, weight, height, examine parts of the body for marks, growths, tenderness, bruising, and inflammation including the condition of the ears, eyes, lungs and heart. Also, checking for fluid build-up and any age/gender-specific tests and examinations.
Once the initial exam is completed, the physician may prescribe further tests or a follow-up visit based on vital signs, test results and/or symptoms they feel need further examination.
How do you prepare for a physical examination?
Before going in for a physical examination, check with Integra Urgent Care for any specific instructions for your visit, such as overnight fasting. Also, check your insurance coverage. While most preventive services are covered by most insurance providers, specific tests may incur deductibles and co-pays.
Items to bring to your physical exam at Integra Urgent Care:
- Relevant medical records
- Immunization schedule
- Insurance card
Make note of the following information:
- Current prescriptions
- Recent tests, treatments, or procedures
- Pre- existing medical conditions
- Other symptoms or allergies
- A list of questions you want to ask your doctor / healthcare provider
A follow-up visit may be required for additional tests, discuss lab results, determine treatment options, etc.
What are the different types of physical examinations offered at Integra Urgent Care?
Integra Urgent Care offers physical exams and other diagnostic services in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, with clinics in Las Colinas/Irving, Grand Prairie, and Weatherford. All our services are performed by an experienced medical staff, including board-certified physicians, physician assistants, licensed nurses, and nurse practitioners.
Integra Urgent Care exists to serve our communities by offering urgent care services for their immediate, non-life-threatening medical needs. We diagnose and treat based on your existing medical conditions. If you need a physical exam quickly, set up an appointment with Integra Urgent Care now.
Integra Urgent Care offers the following physical exams at all three of our clinic locations:
- Sports physical
- Pre-employment physical
- DOT physical
- School physical
To schedule an exam for you or your child, visit us at www.integrauc.com or call the clinic closest to you in Las Colinas/Irving, Grand Prairie, or Weatherford.
- Las Colinas/Irving: 972.861.5200
- Grand Prairie: 817.596.4313
- Weatherford: 469.340.1710
Integra Urgent Care also offers diagnostic services, acute illness treatments and acute injury treatments, such as:
- X-rays
- Electrocardiograms
- Lab tests
- Flu shots
- Cold and flu
- Nausea and vomiting
- Ear infections
- Allergies
- Breathing conditions and asthma
- Strains/sprains/fractures
- Burns
- Cuts and stitches
- Foreign body removal
- Abscess treatment
- And more…
How to schedule a physical examination at Integra Urgent Care?
To schedule an appointment for a physical examination, you can call and set up an appointment over the phone with one of our staff members or you can check-in online on our website and wait for your appointment time in the comfort of your own home. Our staff will call you when we are ready for start your specific exam. We also offer video visits for simple illnesses and injuries that can be treated effectively without leaving your home.
Need help getting started? Visit our website or contact us directly by clicking on the Locations page to finding our nearest location.
FAQs
What is a school physical?
A physical examination may be required for your child to attend school. This type of examination is conducted by a pediatrician / physician to check overall health markers, growth milestones, and any pre-existing conditions or previous illnesses to be taken into consideration in a classroom setting.
What is done for a school physical?
As a part of the school physical, a physician will check the following:
- Weight and height
- Blood pressure and other vital signs
- Examination of all organs including heart, lungs, abdomen, ears, eyes, nose, throat, and skin
- Evaluation of the child’s limbs for strength and flexibility
How much is a physical exam for school?
School physical examinations at Integra Urgent Care are usually covered by most insurances with a nominal visit co-pay. We also offer affordable rates for self-pay patients. For more information, call one of our clinic locations or visit our website at www.integrauc.com.
What is a work physical?
A work physical (or “pre-employment physical”) is a pre-employment exam required by some employers to determine a candidate’s overall health as it pertains to the job.
What happens at a work physical examination?
A work or pre-employment physical involves basic tests to check for the following:
- Weight and height
- Blood pressure, heart rate and other vital signs
- Examination of all organs including heart, lungs, abdomen, ears, eyes, nose, throat, and skin
- Respiratory and cardiovascular health
- Vision and hearing
- Use of tobacco, alcohol, or other substances (based on employer requirements)
What does an annual physical exam / wellness check consist of?
An annual physical (or “well-check”) involves:
- Gathering patient information:
o Past and family medical history
o Possible allergies
o Pre-existing conditions
o Immunization records
o Previous tests or treatments performed (if applicable)
o Current medication - Physical examination and recording of vital signs to determine baseline level of health:
a. Blood pressure
b. Heart rate
c. Weight
d. Height
e. Examine parts of the body for marks, growths, tenderness, bruising, and inflammation
f. Examine condition of the ears, eyes, lungs, heart, nose throat, abdomen, and skin.
g. Checking for fluid build-up
h. Age and gender-specific tests and examinations
A follow-up visit may be required for additional tests, discuss lab results, determine treatment options, etc.
Can you fail a physical for a job?
Yes, you can fail a physical examination for a job if you do not meet the requirements stipulated by the employer.
Is a drug test part of a physical?
While a urine analysis is a basic requirement in all physicals, the findings may or may not reveal any presence of drugs. While a drug test is not generally mandatory for most physicals, in specific situations, the physician may order a screening test.