Adult Physical Exam

Your Physical Exam Step By Step

We start by gathering information about your health history, including previous medical conditions, what you eat and how often you exercise. Next, we perform a physical exam covering every major organ system from head to toe.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Checking vital signs: We check your vital signs, including blood pressure, pulse and temperature, to make sure they are within normal ranges.
• Listening to your heart: We gently press a handheld device (stethoscope) against your chest to check for signs of an irregular heartbeat or other forms of heart disease.
• Listening to your lungs: We use the stethoscope to listen for abnormal lung sounds as you breathe. These sounds may include shallow breathing or crackles that may indicate a problem with the lungs.
• Examining your head and neck: Using a special handheld light source, we check your throat, teeth and gums for problems. We use the same device to check your ears, nose and eyes.
• Checking your digestive organs: Providers may examine your liver by gently tapping the area above your stomach. We may also use a stethoscope to listen for abnormal sounds in your large intestine (bowels).
• Assessing your nerves and brain functioning: We ask you to perform simple tasks, such as looking at an object so we can watch eye movements. These tests help us assess the health of your nerves, reflexes, balance and other brain functions.
• Preventive care recommendations: We may recommend preventive services including health screenings and vaccines, such as a flu shot. Find out more about flu shots.

 

Health Screenings

In addition to your physical exam, we may recommend one or more special health screening tests. These tests assess your risk for common health problems, such as heart disease and cancer.

The screening tests that are right for you depend on your age, gender and health history. Find out more about health screenings.

Common health screenings include:

• Blood tests to check for diabetes or assess your risk for a heart attack
• Breast or pelvic exams for women to check for early signs of breast or cervical cancer
• Testicular exam for men to check for early signs of testicular cancer

 

After Your Physical Exam Is Complete

After completing the physical exam and in-office tests, we discuss the findings and what they mean for your health:

• If everything is normal, we give you tips to help you continue living a healthy lifestyle, such as making sure you get enough sleep. We also let you know when to come back for your next physical.
• If there are any abnormal findings, we explain the potential problem and what you can do about it. We may recommend additional testing or lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthier diet. We also take time to answer any questions you may have.
• If you need additional testing, we explain how the test can help. After completing the test, we will follow up with you to explain the results and what to do next.

 

Comprehensive Physical Exams for Adults

At Aurora Health Care, physical exams go beyond ruling out common medical problems. Our primary care providers lend a caring ear and offer answers to any health concerns you may have. If you have an existing medical condition, we make sure you are receiving the best possible care.

Highlights of our primary care services include:

• Expertise: Our team includes board-certified doctors, physician assistants and advanced practice nurses. Most of our providers completed training in adult primary care. Some providers specialize in treating older adults and adolescents. This level of expertise helps us deliver care that meets your unique medical needs. Meet our primary care team.
• Focus on prevention: Physical exams are one of many ways Aurora makes it easy to take care of your health. We also offer preventive services, such as vaccines and health screenings, to stop potential health problems before they start. We recommend the services that are right for you based on your health history and lifestyle. Read more about health screenings and preventive care.
• Convenience: If you have a specific concern, you may be able to get the care you need without an appointment. Services such as blood pressure testing and some vaccines are available on a walk-in basis through our partnership with Walgreens. Find out more about Aurora Clinic at Walgreens.