Physical Exams

Physical exams are consultations where your doctor checks for signs of health problems to ensure you’re well and detect any early signs of disease. At offices in Amherst and Buffalo, New York, Frances Ilozue, MD, MPH, of Rapha Family Medicine, PC, and the team provide annual, work, school, and sports physicals to ensure you’re fit for life’s challenges. To find out more or arrange your physical exam, call Rapha Family Medicine, PC, or book an appointment online today.

What are physical exams?

Physical exams give you and your provider insight into your current health and well-being and highlight any areas of concern. The Rapha Family Medicine, PC team recommends you undergo a physical exam for your peace of mind at least once a year.

In addition to your annual preventive care physical, the team offers work, school, and sports physicals:

Work physicals

You might need an exam before starting a new job (pre-employment physical). Or your employer might routinely ask existing staff members to have regular work physicals and drug screening tests.

School physicals

Physicals are a routine health check many schools require. They ensure children are healthy and fit, and that they have the best care for any medical conditions they develop.

Sports physicals

You might need a physical exam if you want to start a new sport or join a new team or club.

What does a physical exam involve?

The procedure your provider follows for your physical exam varies depending on the reason for your visit. In addition, factors like age and a family history of conditions like diabetes, cancer, heart disease, or inherited disorders might mean your provider recommends additional tests.

A physical examination at Rapha Family Medicine, PC typically begins with a check of important health indicators, such as:

• Blood pressure
• Heart rate
• Respiration rate
• Temperature
• Reflexes

Your provider observes your alertness and how easily you move and looks for signs of mental health problems. They also note any issues like skin discoloration, tenderness in your abdominal organs, and pale gums.

They listen to your heart and lung sounds through a stethoscope to see if there are any abnormalities. You might have an onsite electrocardiogram (EKG), where your provider attaches electrodes to the skin over your heart and assesses the organ’s electrical activity.

Do I need tests during my physical exam?

Your Rapha Family Medicine, PC provider routinely takes a blood sample and may also ask for some urine. Blood tests highlight problems like infections and nutrient deficiencies and measure the levels of cholesterol (which can lead to heart attack and stroke if untreated) and sugar (which can cause diabetes) in your blood.

Some patients might get a referral for diagnostic imaging tests such as X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI. Screening for diseases like cervical, breast, and testicular cancer and an enlarged prostate (benign prostate hyperplasia) can also form a part of many physical exams if you’re due for them.

To find out more or book your physical exam, call Rapha Family Medicine, PC, or book an appointment online today.