A medical exam is a common test that a primary care physician (PCP) performs to check your overall health.. A primary care physician can be a doctor, nurse, or physician assistant.. This test is also known as a health check.... You do not have to be sick to request this test.

A medical exam can be a good time to ask your doctor questions or discuss any changes or problems you've noticed.

There are several tests that can be done during a physical exam. Depending on your age, medical history, or family history, your primary care physician may recommend other tests.

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Purpose of annual medical examination

A physical exam helps your doctor assess your overall health. It also gives you an opportunity to talk with your doctor about any pain or symptoms you've been experiencing, or other concerns you may have about your health.

A medical examination is recommended at least once a year, especially for people over 50 years old... These examinations are used for the following:

• Inspection of possible diseases and their initial treatment
• Identify any problems that may become a medical concern in the future
• Update required security
• Ensuring maintaining a healthy diet and daily exercise
• Establishing a relationship with a primary care physician

Also, these screenings are a good way to check your cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. These levels may be high without showing signs or symptoms. Regular screening allows your doctor to treat these conditions before they get worse.

Also, your doctor may perform a medical examination before performing surgery or before starting treatment.

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How to prepare for medical examination?

Make an appointment with your primary care doctor.... Your family doctor can order a medical exam.... If you do not currently have a primary care physician, you can contact your health insurance company for a list of primary care providers.

Preparing properly for your medical exam can help you get the most out of your time with your primary care doctor. Before your medical exam, you should document the following:

• List any medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter medications or any herbal supplements;
• List any symptoms or pain you are experiencing;
• results of recent tests or related tests;
• Medical or surgical history;
• Names and contact information of doctors you may have seen recently;
• If you have a device implanted in your body (such as a pacemaker or defibrillator), make a copy of your device card;
• Any other questions you may have in mind.

Wear comfortable clothes and avoid any jewelry, makeup, or anything that would hinder a full body examination.

How is the medical examination done?

Before meeting with your primary care doctor, a nurse will ask questions about your medical history, including allergies, past surgeries, or possible symptoms. You may also be asked questions about your lifestyle, such as exercise, smoking, or drinking.

Usually, the primary care doctor will begin the examination by checking your body for signs or abnormal growth.... During this step of the examination, you may be sitting or standing.

Next, the doctor may ask you to lie down and examine your abdomen and other parts of your body.... In this step, the doctor will check your different body parts for position, size, stiffness, softness, and texture.

The doctor uses a stethoscope to examine different parts of your body.... This step includes listening to the lungs while breathing deeply and listening to the bowels.

Also, the doctor will use a stethoscope to listen to your heart to make sure there are no abnormal sounds. The doctor can evaluate the function of the heart and heart valves and listen to your heart rhythm during the examination.

Also, the doctor uses a method called "accuracy" which involves tapping the body... This method helps the doctor to detect the presence of fluids in different parts of the body and determine the boundaries of the organs, their consistency and size.

Your primary care doctor will also check your weight, height, and heart rate.

If you have any concerns during the exam, be sure to discuss them with your doctor... Although you can always call your doctor if necessary, a medical exam is a private opportunity for you to ask any health-related questions you may have... If you don't understand what the doctor is doing, don't hesitate to ask.

Follow-up after medical examination

After you meet with your doctor, you can go about your daily activities... Your doctor may follow up with you by phone call or email... Your primary care doctor will usually give you a copy of the test results and review the report carefully... He will note any problems and give you instructions on what to do... Depending on the results of the exam, you may need additional screenings or tests in the coming days

If you do not need more tests and you have no health problems, your examination is over and you will have this examination again next year.

Source: Healthline