Physical Examinations

A physical examination is a comprehensive evaluation of your overall health, looking for any possible signs of a medical condition. Your primary caregiver evaluates your body's basic functioning, plans for updates on vaccines, and addresses any medical concerns.

At Level One Urgent Care, we perform detailed physical examinations for all your medical needs. Whether you need a health evaluation for a routine or annual checkup or for insurance, work, school, or travel, we can help.

When to Get Physical Examinations

A physical examination is an in-depth, hands-on assessment. It is done to check your general health and recommend ways to maintain good health. The purpose of a physical exam is to:

  • Look for any underlying conditions
  • Provide immunizations 
  • Answer questions about any symptoms you may be experiencing 
  • Verify that you are in good health for work or travel
  • Ensure a healthy diet and exercise routine
  • Check surgical and medical history
  • Check medications
  • Check dependence on tobacco, alcohol, or other substances

DOT Physicals

A Department of Transportation (DOT) physical is a thorough physical examination mandated for people operating commercial motor vehicles. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates them for public safety. The exam is usually valid for up to 24 months. 

A DOT physical certifies that a person who drives a commercial motor vehicle is physically, mentally, and emotionally fit to do so by evaluating their overall health, medical history, and substance use history. 

At Level One Urgent Care, our providers examine your health and assess vital factors like vision, hearing, and blood pressure to ensure you are ready for the road.

Physical Examinations for Work, School, & Travel

Physical examinations for work, school, and travel serve various purposes, including ensuring fitness to perform specific tasks and preventing the spread of diseases. 

Physical Examinations for Work

Businesses and companies may ask for pre-employment physical examinations to assess a candidate's health and fitness for specific duties. 

Occupational health assessments are required on a regular basis to monitor employees' health and ensure they can safely perform their duties. These assessments are especially important for people in high-risk industries, such as construction, aviation, or healthcare.

Physical Examination for School

Many schools, particularly at the elementary and secondary levels, require students to undergo physical examinations before enrolling or starting a new school year. These may include growth and development evaluations, vision and hearing tests, and immunization verification.

Students may also need to undergo sports physicals to ensure they are physically capable of safely engaging in athletic activities. 

Physical Examinations for Travel

Pre-travel health assessments are done to evaluate your risk of acquiring specific diseases or infections. These assessments include evaluations of immunization status, recommendations for travel vaccinations or prophylactic medications, and counseling on travel-related health risks.

Insurance Physicals

Insurance physicals involve an assessment of your overall health to help insurance companies evaluate your risk profile and determine your eligibility for coverage. It is often required as part of the underwriting process when applying for certain types of insurance policies, such as life or disability insurance.

Insurance physicals at Level One Urgent Care follow a simple procedure that involves checking your medical history, examining vital organs, and measuring height and weight.

Immigration Physicals

A physical examination for immigration purposes is required when applying for permanent residency (green card) or for certain types of visas in the USA. You are also typically required to receive vaccinations against vaccine-preventable diseases.

Preparing for a Physical Examination

We advise you to prepare some basic information in advance for a smooth physical examination and accurate assessment. Some steps you can take to prepare include:

  • Making a list of current medications you take
  • Listing any symptoms or pain you are experiencing
  • Keeping results from any recent or relevant tests ready
  • Gathering your medical and surgical history
  • Having the names and contact information of doctors you may have seen recently
  • Bringing a copy of the front and back of your device card if you have any implanted device, such as a pacemaker or defibrillator
  • Making a list of any additional questions you would like answered

On the day of your physical examination, dress in comfortable clothing and avoid any excess jewelry, makeup, or other items that would prevent your doctor from fully examining your body.

What to Expect During Physical Examinations

After looking at your medical history, our doctor may also ask about your lifestyle, including whether you exercise, smoke, or drink alcohol. Our provider uses the following process to assess your body:

  • Auscultation: Listening to your body
  • Inspection: Looking at your body
  • Palpation: Medically examining specific points on the body with  their hands
  • Percussion: Tapping specific areas of your body to produce sounds

A physical examination at Level One Urgent Care may involve: 

  • Measuring height and weight 
  • Examining nose, mouth, throat, and ear 
  • Feeling for the pulse in the person’s neck, groin, or feet
  • Checking your reflexes
  • Listening to your heart and lungs with a stethoscope
  • Measuring your blood pressure 
  • Feeling the lymph nodes in the neck, underarms, or groin
  • Checking the abdomen for abnormalities

Physical Examinations at Level One Urgent Care

Physical examinations offer an opportunity to detect any health issues early before they become more serious and to discuss any concerns or questions you may have regarding your overall health. At Level One Urgent Care, our team performs a comprehensive health assessment. 

To schedule a consultation with our skilled practitioners, call us at 281-947-6160 or request an appointment online. Alternatively, simply walk into our clinic in Iowa Colony, TX.

Contact Us
Contact Us
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram