Physical Exams

A physical exam checks your overall health. Your healthcare provider evaluates the basic function of your organs, addresses any concerns, updates your vaccinations and help you get healthy or maintain good health. You should get a physical exam each year. It takes about 30 minutes to complete.

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.

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, a healthcare provider may check your genitals and prostate. For women, your provider may perform a breast exam.

Why do I need a physical exam?

The purpose of a physical exam is to:

Check your general health.
Make recommendations about how you can reach or maintain good health.
Look for any underlying conditions or address any symptoms you experience.
Get immunizations or vaccines.
Ask questions and get answers about your health.
Verify that you’re in good health to work a job that requires a pre-employment physical or to play a sport that requires a sports physical.