Annual Physical Exams
in Massachusetts

As part of a doctor's routine checkup, a physical examination is usually performed. Learn more about what happens during a physical exam to better prepare for your next medical appointment.

Physical examination

A physical examination is when a healthcare professional examines and studies your body to see if you have a physical health problem. The four components of a physical examination, according to the National Library of Medicine, are inspection, palpation, auscultation, and percussion (NLM).

During the examination, your doctor looks over your body for any issues, such as skin flaws. Palpation is the technique of feeling your body with your fingers or hands, such as when a doctor feels for a tumor or mass, according to the National Library of Medicine.

Auscultation is a method of listening to sounds, such as your heartbeat, by your doctor. Making noises, such as tapping on various body parts, is referred to as percussion. This is usually done to determine the size and consistency of your organs, as well as the presence or absence of fluids in specific places, according to the National Library of Medicine.

The purpose of an annual physical exam

According to the National Library of Medicine, an annual physical exam can help you discover and avoid health problems you may not be aware of.

An annual physical exam is used to screen for diseases like cancer and to see whether you're at risk for certain health problems like diabetes. A yearly physical checkup, according to the National Library of Medicine, helps you to stay current on vaccines and other preventative health treatments, as well as make smart lifestyle choices that benefit your general health. Another benefit of having a yearly physical examination is that you can communicate with your doctor at any time if you develop an illness or chronic disease.

How to prepare for a physical examination

According to the National Library of Medicine, being prepared for your appointment will help you make the most of your time with your doctor and avoid unnecessary follow-ups.

First, review your family's medical history and be prepared to discuss any inherited health concerns, such as high blood pressure, cancer, or diabetes. Your doctor may use this information to assess if you're at risk for these same health problems, according to the National Library of Medicine.

Check with the National Library of Medicine to discover if any general exams or immunizations are required. If you're not sure, call your doctor ahead of time to make sure you're dressed appropriately or to make special arrangements if you need to undergo specialized tests.

Finally, the National Library of Medicine recommends making a list of issues and questions to bring up at your meeting. If you've been suffering any new or different symptoms, for example, write them down so your doctor can evaluate you for any linked health issues.

How a physical examination is performed

The manner in which your physical exam is conducted is primarily governed by your gender and age, according to the National Library of Medicine, due to differences in anatomy and health problems that impact different age groups.

Male examination

Males between the ages of 18 and 39 have their height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) measured at every consultation, according to the National Library of Medicine. Males in this age group may be asked about mental health issues including depression, as well as their food, exercise, and substance use habits. It is possible to assess your blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and heart disease.

Males aged 40 to 64 receive the same services as men aged 18 to 39, including colorectal cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and osteoporosis screenings, according to the National Library of Medicine. Men in their sixties and seventies may also be questioned about their medications and whether or not they have fallen recently.

Female examination

Females between the ages of 18 and 39 will have their height, weight, and BMI checked at each visit. Females should have their blood pressure checked every one to two years, according to the National Library of Medicine, and cervical cancer screenings should begin at the age of 21. Females in this age group may get diabetes and cholesterol screenings as part of their routine medical examination.

Women between the ages of 40 and 64 receive all of the same services as younger women, including lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and osteoporosis screenings, according to the National Library of Medicine. Routine mammograms may be performed on women over the age of 65, and they may be asked about any medications they are taking.

Lab tests

Your doctor may order lab tests to confirm or rule out one or more disorders based on the results of your physical exam. Lab tests may be utilized as part of evaluations for illnesses such as colorectal cancer and cervical cancer, according to the National Library of Medicine.

Call your doctor ahead of time to find out if you'll be getting blood tests and what they'll entail so you can make the necessary arrangements.

Following up after a physical examination

Following your physical examination, you may be called if one of your screens or lab tests comes back positive or inconclusive. Your doctor will contact you in such circumstances to discuss treatment choices or to recommend additional tests and screening. Your doctor can tell you more about what to expect in terms of follow-up after your physical exam.