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Physical Exams

Family Medicine & Urgent Care located in Laurel, MD

Physical Exams

Physical Exams services offered in Laurel, MD

Participating in a physical exam at least once a year is one of the easiest ways to reduce your risk of chronic medical issues. At iCare Health Services, our Clinician, provide physical exams to children, teens, and adults. Clinician also offers Department of Transportation (DOT) Physical, pre-op evaluations for individuals who need surgery and Day Care physical . To make an appointment, call the office in Laurel, Maryland, or book online today.

Physical Exams Q&A

What is a Physical Exam?

A physical exam assesses your general well-being. It’s a routine checkup that may includes lab work and preventive screenings. It is an overview of your health and lifestyle. 

It’s important to undergo physical exams even if you feel healthy. Many chronic conditions, including diabetes and heart disease, present few obvious symptoms. Regular visits to iCare Health Services can alert you early on when they’re easiest to treat.

What happens during a Physical Exam?

At iCare Health Services, a physical exam features several assessments, including:

A discussion of your lifestyle

Your provider begins a physical by asking about your lifestyle, including if you use tobacco or drink alcohol, how often you exercise, and if you get eight hours of sleep each night. They also ask if you take any prescription medications or supplements, and if you have any underlying medical issues.

A comprehensive Physical Exam

Next, your provider conducts an exam. They look at your skin for abnormal moles or growths, shine a light in your ears, nose, and throat, listen to your heartbeat and respiratory rate, check your reflexes, and palpate your organs. 

Lab testing

After the exam, your provider orders lab tests. Depending on your age and medical history, they might recommend blood work, urinalysis, or a stool sample. These tests analyze samples of your bodily fluids to identify underlying issues, like hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, or high cholesterol. 

Updating Immunizations

Immunizations, or vaccines, train your immune system to identify harmful pathogens like viruses and bacteria. After a review of your medical records, your iCare Health Services provider can recommend immunizations that align with your needs.

Preventive Screenings

Your iCare Health Services provider completes your physical with preventive screenings. Some of the most common preventive screenings include Pap smears, prostate exams, and breast exams. These tests can detect cancer early on when it responds best to treatment.

Pre-op Evaluations

If you need surgery, your iCare Health Services provider conducts a preoperative (pre-op) evaluation. A pre-op evaluation assesses your general well-being, ensuring you’re healthy enough to undergo a surgical procedure.

What should I bring to a Physical Exam?

iCare Health Services recommends bringing the following information to your physical exam:

  • Health insurance information
  • Names of the prescription medications and vitamins you take
  • Results from any recent lab or imaging tests
  • Questions or concerns that you have
  • Medical device card (if you have a pacemaker or another implantable device)

If it’s been more than a year since your last physical exam, make an appointment at iCare Health Services by calling the office or booking online today.

Department of Transportation (DOT) Physical

A Department of Transportation (DOT) physical is a health examination mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. A DOT physical helps determine if a driver is physically, mentally, and emotionally fit to operate a CMV.  For your safety and the public’s safety, FMCSA requires you to complete and pass a DOT physical to maintain a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL).

You are required to complete and pass a DOT physical if you:

  • Operate a motor vehicle for interstate commerce with a gross combination weight rating, gross vehicle weight rating, or gross combination weight of over 10,000 pounds
  • Operate a motor vehicle designed to carry more than 15 people
  • Are paid to operate a motor vehicle designed to carry more than eight people 
  • Transport hazardous materials that required your vehicle to be placarded

We advise ALL clients for DOT Physical exam to read what to bring for their Physical Exam. Click on the link