At Mid-Valley Community Clinic, we care about the health and wellbeing of our patients. We aim to keep you in the best health possible through education, screening, diagnosis and treatment. And where your symptoms can not be identified and classified through medical history or visual examination, we provide complete physical examinations. These examinations are also part of our ongoing commitment to preventative medicine.
What are physical examinations?
The exact details of each examination will depend on your symptoms and medical history. However, in general terms, it will involve the medical practitioner examining different parts of your body to find clues as to what may be causing your symptoms. For preventative examinations, the practitioner is looking for signs that may potentially cause problems in the longer term. The examination takes place within the medical practitioner’s office, with your privacy and dignity assured at all times. If you are nervous or unsure, you can ask for a nurse to be present or bring a trusted family member with you.
What does it involve?
Physical examinations will be slightly different for each person. Many of the procedures will depend on your individual symptoms. But, it is likely to include most of the following:
- Questions about medical history and recent health concerns or long term problems.
- Visual examination of the body for growths, unusual marks or changes since your last examination.
- Examination of your abdomen; this usually involves medical practitioner gently pressing on different areas of your belly.
- Use of a stethoscope to listen to various parts of the body, most usually the lungs, heart and intestines.
- ‘Percussion’ or tapping on various sites around the body to discover potential fluid build-ups and check the size and consistency of your organs.
- Height, weight, pulse and blood pressure are also checked.
What do you need to do?
There are a few things that you, as the patient, can do to help your medical practitioner perform your physical examination.
- Create a list of any medication you are currently taking, including over the counter drugs and herbal supplements.
- Note down any symptoms you have been experiencing. Include any unusual changes you have noticed; this could include anything from your appetite to your sleep pattern.
- Any test results or notes that you have from other clinics or hospitals.
- The names, roles and locations of any other medical professionals you have seen recently in connection to the current problem.
- Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing and keep make-up and perfumes to a minimum.
- And don’t forget to make a list of questions you have. At Mid-Valley, we welcome your questions and are always willing to explain your diagnosis and treatment.
We take pride in our open and honest relationship with our patients. You can be sure that physical examinations are only performed when necessary and that your best interests at the center of everything our team does.
Call the clinic today if you want to discuss your health options or to sign up as a new patient.
