What are physical exams?
Physical exams are medical care that evaluates and monitors your current state of health. Many physical exams also focus on preventive medicine, particularly identifying potentially harmful trends and taking steps to protect health.
What types of physical exams are available?
North Star Clinic provides physical exams for every member of the family, starting from the age of 2, and a variety of other specific exams to meet the needs of the local Port Townsend community. These include:
Annual physicals
If you’re a member of the concierge medicine program at North Star Clinic, you can schedule annual physicals to track and manage your health effectively. An annual physical monitors many different facets of your health, from chronic illness management to disease screenings and preventive health care.
Sports physicals
Sports physicals emphasize physical fitness and health. Many children need a sports physical for school sports, and adults may also need this type of exam for extracurricular sports. Sports physicals verify that you’re able to participate in athletic activities safely.
Department of Transportation (DOT) physicals
DOT physicals check your hearing, vision, reflexes, and many other aspects of health. You must have this type of exam before driving certain commercial or private vehicles. For example, commercial drivers must pass a DOT physical to obtain their commercial driver’s license (CDL).
United States Coast Guard physicals
The Coast Guard requires applicants to pass specific tests to verify that they’re mentally and physically healthy enough to perform their future duties. The Coast Guard physical checks your health and looks for potential health risks. In addition, many active duty military members need periodic health assessments every year.
If you need another specific type of exam, North Star Clinic may be able to help, so don’t hesitate to reach out.
How can I prepare for physical exams?
Some exams may include blood tests that require fasting or other specific preparation. North Star Clinic alerts you to any such requirements before your scheduled exam.
Bring a list of all your current medications, along with any forms that you need to complete. If you’ve received medical care anywhere other than North Star Clinic, don’t forget to request those files be forwarded well in advance of your appointment.
North Star Clinic strives to make your physical exams a straightforward and easy process. Request your appointment using the online scheduler or call the office for help today.
