See all 152 Results for Physical Examinations

An evaluation of the body and its functions using inspection, palpation (feeling with the hands), percussion (tapping with the fingers), and auscultation (listening). A complete health assessment also involves gathering information about a person's medical history and lifestyle, doing laboratory tests and screening for disease. Included are general physical examinations which occur annually and physicals that are conducted for a specific purpose, e.g., employment, sports participation.

Routine examinations conducted on an annual basis to assess the general physical condition of an individual and detect abnormalities. General physicals vary, but most involve a discussion of any concerns the patient may be having; checking vital signs (temperature, blood pressure, heart rate and respiration rate), weight and general appearance; heart and lung exams using a stethoscope; a head and neck exam that looks at the throat, teeth and gums, ears, sinuses, eyes, lymph nodes, thyroid and carotid arteries; an abdominal exam that uses palpation to detect liver size, the presence of abdominal fluid or tenderness; a visual examination of the extremities; and breast and pelvic exams for women, testicular and prostate exams for men. The annual physical exam also provides an opportunity to refocus attention on prevention and screening and routine laboratory tests may be suggested.