Physicals

What are physicals?

A physical exam, or physical, is a routine procedure that assesses your general health and well-being. It’s a brief, outpatient procedure that typically takes less than 45 minutes.

Aside from determining the status of your health, a physical presents an opportunity to discuss unusual symptoms, ask questions, and build a relationship with your WestsideMed provider.

What is the purpose of a physical exam?

The team at WestsideMed uses physicals to:

• Check for diseases to provide timely treatments
• Identify issues that might lead to health problems in the future
• Update necessary immunizations
• Provide education on nutrition and exercise
• Assess your risk of chronic conditions like high blood pressure and cholesterol

You might also benefit from a physical exam if you’re preparing to undergo surgery or a new type of treatment for a specific medical condition. 

What should I bring to a physical exam?

A few days before your physical at WestsideMed, take time to gather the following paperwork:

• Names and contact information of doctors you’ve seen recently
• Results from any recent or relevant laboratory tests
• Your ID and health insurance card
• The names of the supplements, vitamins, and medications you regularly take
• Questions you’d like answered

On the day of your appointment, wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes, and leave any excess jewelry at home. If you have an implantable device like a pacemaker or defibrillator, bring your device card as well.

What do physicals involve?

The team at WestsideMed tailors physicals to each individual’s needs. Typically, that involves shining a bright light in your ears, eyes, nose, and throat, palpating your organs to determine their size and position, testing your reflexes, and listening to your heart and respiratory rate.

Afterward, your provider might recommend updating your immunizations or undergoing certain gender-specific screening procedures like a Pap test, colonoscopy, or prostate exam. If necessary, they might also order lab services like blood work or urinalysis.

Who can benefit from physicals?

Anyone who wants to live a healthier and more active life can benefit from a physical exam. The team at WesideMed enjoys working with people of all ages and backgrounds. 

If it's been more than a year since your last physical, don’t wait to book an appointment. Doing so is one of the easiest ways to preserve your health in the long term.

To explore the benefits of physicals, make an appointment at WestsideMed by calling the office or scheduling online today.