Your physical examination is one element of a team effort between you and your doctor to keep you healthy. It generally starts with discussion about what health issues you may have experienced since your last physical. All medical information is confidential, so don't hold anything back. Doctors at the Mayo Clinic recommend having this discussion alone with your doctor. After the discussion, you'll probably be asked to disrobe so the doctor can examine you from head to toe. If you're uncomfortable being in a room alone with the doctor, request another person's presence.
What to Bring
In order to provide the best medical care and diagnosis, the doctor will need to see some information on your medical history. Bring a list of your medications, allergies, lab tests, medical records and questions.
Family History
In order to have the broadest view of your health, a family history may be requested. Some information that will help the doctor know what to look for may be any family history of high cholesterol, heart disease, stroke, obesity, diabetes and other health problems.
Lifestyle Habits
The doctor will need to know any lifestyle habits that affect your health. These include smoking, alcohol consumption, weight fluctuations, your fitness and exercise routine, your type of job or career and eating habits.
Personal Health History
The doctor may ask questions about your blood pressure, blood sugar, frequency of urination, vision problems, digestion issues and whether you experience frequent headaches. She also will need to know if you have any allergies because this may affect future medical treatment.
Head-to-Toe Check
Expect your doctor to examine you thoroughly. You most likely will be weighed before you see the doctor. The doctor will use special equipment to look at your eyes for signs of diabetes or high blood pressure. He will check your ears for indication of blockage, infection or hearing issues. Other things your doctor will check are the neck for the thyroid, the heart for any suspicious sounds (such as a heart murmur), the lungs for normal intake of air and the abdomen to assess the liver and blood vessels in that area. He will check your pulse for blood flow and your skin for anything that doesn't look as it should. Your legs and arms will be checked for discoloration due to abnormal blood flow. Some doctors will check your reflexes by gently tapping on the knee or elbow with a small, rubber hammer-like tool.
Lab Work
Body fluids reveal certain health issues, so the doctor may want to have some lab work completed as part of the physical. You likely will be asked for a urine sample, which you'll provide while at the doctor's office. A small amount of blood may be drawn to check for infection, white and red blood cell count, liver function and other health conditions that may apply to your medical situation.
Follow-Up
Some physicals require a follow-up appointment, so you may be asked to schedule a time to return. However, most follow-ups can be done by phone to let you know the results of your lab work.
