Physical Exams Specialist

What are physical exams?

Physical exams help your doctors compile a general overview of your health at a given time. Based on the many physical exams over your lifetime, you can identify and track trends in your health. They might even help your physician make an early diagnosis by providing a baseline for comparing current and previous measurements like your heart rate and blood pressure.

The team at Raritan Family Healthcare provides physical exams for diagnostic purposes as well as physical exams as a preventive care measure. When your physical exam is completed, they let you know if you need any further testing and whether you need to make any changes to your current routine or health plan. 

When do I need a physical exam?

You should ask your providers at Raritan Family Healthcare how often they think you should come in for a physical. They recommend that many individuals get exams annually. This gives you the chance to check in regarding your health status, bring up any new concerns, and update your provider on any treatments you’ve received. 

The team might also suggest a physical exam if they need to evaluate you because of new or worsening symptoms. A physical exam can be a valuable diagnostic tool or can point the team in the direction of parts of your health that need further assessment. 

What should I expect during a physical exam?

There are many parts of a physical exam you can expect every time. There are a few other parts that you might need only every few years or if your physician tells you that you need them. 

When you first come in, your provider goes over your medical history and asks for any updates since your last visit. The steps in the exam include:

• Height and weight measurements
• Heart rate and blood pressure readings
• Ear, nose, and throat check
• Palpating abdominal organs
• Skin exam
• Reflex and neurological check
• Skin and lymph node check

Your provider tells you the results of your physical exam and might ask some extra questions throughout. Your physical exam might end there, or the team might refer you for further testing like blood lab tests, urinalysis, or a skin biopsy. 

The team at Raritan Family Healthcare is well connected in their communities and can make trusted specialist referrals if you need them. They send you off with an individualized wellness plan according to your lifestyle and risk factors. 

To schedule a physical exam for yourself or a family member, call the closest Raritan Family Healthcare office or book an appointment online today.