What You Need to Know Before Your Appointment for Annual Physical check up

Did you know that many serious health issues might not show any symptoms until it’s too late?  A person with high blood pressure, for example, might feel completely normal, but is running a very high risk of developing cardiovascular disease and having a heart attack. A person could be on the brink of developing or already have a potentially deadly illness like heart attack, stroke, or even certain types of cancers or sexually transmitted infections but still feel totally fine.  That’s why health specialists recommend an annual physical examination whether you feel sick or not.

Annual physicals may vary from doctor to doctor, but most physicians try to check all the body’s systems during an exam.  This means examining the skin, listening to the heart and lungs, feeling for abnormalities in abdominal organs and lymph nodes, and testing vision, reflexes and neurological response time.  Often times the examination of these systems by a doctor is supplemented with laboratory work in the form of blood and urine tests.  Common blood work can measure blood count, electrolyte, blood glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and thyroid function.  Routine sexually transmitted disease tests, check for HIV, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes and hepatitis B and C.  A urine test might also be used to measure kidney function.  The doctor will also go over your immunization record and may update you on any necessary vaccines. Results of blood work and urine tests may take 3-5 business days, and a doctor or nurse will call you with those results once they are processed.  Depending on the office, blood work and immunizations may cost additional fees, so talk to your receptionist or doctor beforehand if you have concerns.

One of the most important things to remember before going to your physical exam is that an accurate medical history is a critical component of an effective physical.  Before your appointment, be sure you know the facts about your own and your family’s medical history, as certain illnesses like high blood pressure and cholesterol, heart attack and breast cancer can be genetically predisposed.  Your personal surgical history, as well as knowledge of any medications, supplements, or herbs you are taking, is important as well, so write them down and bring the list with you if you’re afraid you’ll forget.  If you’re going to a new doctor, try to get a copy of your old medical and immunization records to make the process easier.  Most importantly, remember to be honest with your internist.  Questions about mental health, sexual activity, smoking and drinking habits, and use of illicit substances all provide important information to your health care provider about how to best  take care of you, so tell the truth, even if you feel embarrassed.    

Most insurance companies cover annual exams, as preventative medicine is easier and less expensive for them, too!  But even if you don’t have health insurance, you should still try and get a physical annually or screening for HIV, as it can save you a lot of medical bills in the long run! Many walk in clinics around the country have affordable preventative healthcare even for people without insurance, so check out clinics in your area for possible options.

If you’re in New York City and it’s time for your annual physical exam, stop by the Physical Exam Center of New York, and be on your way to better health.  Annual Physical Exam is affordable and convenient.  Even if you don’t have insurance, you can make a same-day, evening, or Saturday appointment, or just walk in to our Midtown Manhattan location.  You can even book online through the web check-in at primary care doctor.

Two Facts You Have to Know about the CDL Physical Exam

In today’s economy the job market can be tough, but one job that’s not suffering from the effects of the economic downturn is that of the commercial driver. Commercial drivers, including truckers and bus drivers, enjoy job security even during recessions. Commercial drivers also earn a good living wage with relatively little training or experience, and have the chance to travel across the country. If the life of a commercial driver sounds like something of interest to you, the first step is getting your commercial CDL license. But before you can even do that, you need to pass the Department of Transportation’s physical exam, which makes you eligible for certification. Here’s some important information about the requirements of the exam.

Firstly, you may be interested in what kind of questions and health conditions a CDL physical exam will address. The Department of Transportation issues a standardized form to be completed by an internist during a commercial CDL license physical, and the patient is required to print out this form and bring it to his or her exam, so you can probably get a good idea of what to expect just by looking over the paperwork. First the driver completes a medical history section of the form which asks questions about past injuries, diseases, psychological disorders, hearing and vision problems, and other undiagnosed symptoms like dizziness or lower back pain that could be detrimental to a patient’s performance as the operator of a commercial vehicle.  It is important that the patient discusses this part of the form with the walk in clinic doctor, even though the doctor does not need to sign off on this part of the paperwork.  Next a doctor will perform a vision exam, arguably the most important part of the test for any driver. The driver must have vision in both eyes, and be able to read traffic signs as well as differentiate between colors.  A hearing test is also given, for which a driver must be able to hear a forced whisper at a distance greater than or equal to 5 feet. The doctor then tests the patient’s blood pressure. If the patient has high blood pressure (greater than 140 mmHG) he or she can only be certified for one year. If it’s higher than 160, the doctor may only issue a three or six month certification. A urine test is required to test for the health of the kidneys and be sure there are no illegal substances in the system. The doctor than performs a routine physical exam, visually inspecting all the body parts and listening to the prospective CDL heart and lungs.

Secondly, there are four possible outcomes of your CDL physical exam. The doctor can approve you for the ability to operate a commercial motor vehicle; the approval certification generally lasts for two years. If the doctor has some reservations as to the patient’s ability to operate a motor vehicle, he can approve the applicant, but under the condition of periodic medical monitoring for a specific condition. These certifications with reservations can be issued for three months, six months, a year, or another unit of time as specified by the physician on the certification form. Thirdly, the doctor can temporarily disqualify a driver for a period of time due to a specific medical condition or medication being used.  In this case, the doctor will suggest a time when the patient can return for another medical examination. Finally, the doctor can disqualify the patient, offering a specific medical reason why he or she does not meet the standards of health required for obtaining a commercial CDL license.

If you’re in the New York City area and need to get your Department of Transportation CDL physical exam in NYC, stop into the Physical Exam Center NYC, right in midtown Manhattan.  The New York City Physical Exam Center offers same day certification for Department of Transportation physical exams, with convenient appointment times and discounts for people without health insurance. Make an appointment today online at doctor NYC and get on the road to getting your commercial CDL license!

Schedule your physical examination before you need one

As people we’re fond of routines. That pattern of continuity brings ease and security because we know what will happen the next day, week, etc. We always know at a certain time to wake up, get dressed, brush teeth, eat, commute to and from work, shop for groceries, sleep.

            Of course, when it comes to repeated habits, it takes some planning to make sure they function. Meetings need to be pushed back, events pushed forward, errand sacrificed for emergencies. Because we’re so deadlocked to those habitual tendencies, interruptions and surprises easily become the scourge in our schedules.

            When it comes to preparing, how many appointments have you sacrificed? How many are you prepping to give up right now? The laundry desperately in need of a wash, the apartment demanding a sanitized cleansing, the fridge screaming for food, or the physical examination waiting to be noticed. How long before you push it off again?

            When it comes to our bodies, we’re told to have regular checkups every year based on age and family history. Yet the issue isn’t actually getting to physical examination: it’s getting to one. Amidst our regular routine we forget to schedule in the long-term events. And by the time we get to test high blood pressure, heartbeat, weight, height, etc., it becomes a nuisance to even go to the doctor’s office. We can just assume we’re healthy and not bother with this year’s exam.

            The fact remains though that internist suggest routine physical examinations for a reason: to make sure you actually are healthy. Though we may favor other engagements above seeing the doctor, we may eventually face illness for not going.

            Don’t make that mistake and schedule your physical examination now. I promise you physical examination NYC will be able to answer your initial questions and you’ll come out of the office for the better. 

Everything You Need To Know About a DOT Physical Exam

What is a DOT physical exam? Is it anything like the STRIPE physical exam or the PLAID physical exam? Uh, no. DOT stands for the Department Of Transportation and whether you realize it or not, drivers of certain vehicles, whether they’re buses or heavy trucks, need to receive a special license. Each and every vehicle comes with its own set of specific responsibilities and the Powers That Be have deemed buses and heavy trucks (and one or two other things) need a special license to lawfully drive. So be it.

                          

If you are in the market for a special DOT license, than you probably have a ton of questions. How much does it cost? What will they test for during the physical exam? Does it hurt? Etc. This article attempts to answer all these questions for you in a brief, detailed and light-hearted way.

First let’s talk about the cost. In today’s economy this is on the forefront of everyone’s mind so it should be addressed first and foremost. Is a DOT physical exam covered by your existing medical insurance? The answer is a resounding…yes! Do not fret if you are already covered. If you are not currently covered by medical insurance, chances are that this job that demands the physical examination will provide it for you, so the cost should be of minor concern. Thankfully, however, the cost is affordable. No one’s gouging when it comes to the DOT physical exam.

Next, let’s discuss who it is that actually needs to undergo the painless procedure of a DOT physical exam. If you are trying to receive a driver’s license for the following vehicles you will need to receive the exam:

·       A license for a vehicle that is used for commercial (business) purposes and that has a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating (or combined weight rating) of over ten thousand pounds—you will need to undergo a DOT physical exam.

·       A license for a bus or bus-like vehicle that carries more than sixteen passengers (including the driver)—you will need to undergo a DOT physical exam.

·       A license for a vehicle that is used for the removal or the transport of any and all hazardous materials—you will need to undergo a DOT physical exam. This does NOT include a McDonalds delivery truck, regardless of what you may think personally.

Finally, let’s take a look at the physical exam itself. What can you expect to experience while undergoing a DOT physical exam done by an internist? The following list contains all relevant information:

·       General health information and a history of past ailments and major health issues. This is followed by a test of your vital signs (pulse, respiratory system, blood pressure, etc.).

·       If you wear glasses for vision correction please bring your glasses with you. You will be given a visual exam. This test will include color.

·       A hearing test will also be administered to you during a DOT physical exam.

·       You will be tested for diabetes via a urine test.

This test is painless and very accurate, and after you pass it your license can be issued.  Good luck… and hit the road, Jack!

If you currently live in the NYC area and need to undergo or get DOT physical exam NYC (or any other physical exam), please log onto Doctor NYC for more information on this board-certified exam clinic. Located just blocks from Grand Central Station, this center is a breeze to get to from anywhere in the five boroughs (and upstate, too!). Please call 1-212-696-5900 to make an appointment. Be aware that late night and weekend appointments are available for your convenience.

Work Safety for You and the Company: Get Your Pre employment Physical Examination

Blue collar, white collar, cubicle, medical office, manual labor, service work, financial markets, freelance traveling. No matter what field, industry, market etc. we’re in, most of us need a profession to sustain our lifestyles. For a fair number of us out in the field, at one time or another, we may be asked to take a pre employment physical examination.

            Also called post offer physical exams, these tests are conducted to ensure the well-being of the potential employee and also to confirm that the applicant’s physical abilities match the job. These assessments are confidential, and have proven be effective in preventing accidents, lowering costs, and harmonizing employees with the right occupation.

            Physical examinations start with medical history (of both the hired hand and his/her family), and follow up with a musculoskeletal test, respiratory evaluation, gastrointestinal examination, a look at the head, eyes, nose, ears, and throat, skin and immunity assessment, neurological exam, and a cardiovascular probe. Oh and just to warn you there may also be a drug test as well. Using a urine sample, you may be check for anything from Marijuana to Cocaine to Opiates to alcohol depending on the employer. After that, you’re done!

            While these may seem like a lot, not all of them may be tested, based on position you hold in the company. If you’re working at heights (on a ladder for instance) or doing heavy lifting though, these tests will help assess whether you’ll be alright working there. Essentially it helps both the company to see if you’re the right employee and you so that you won’t get into an accident at work.

            No worries, it’ll take just a bit of time out of your day. If your company is asking for a pre employment physical examinationin NYC, stop by our office or schedule an appointment on our website, NYC Walk in Clinic.

Drive Away! (After Your Driver's Physical Exam)

Mirrors checked, seat adjusted, key in, engine on, emergency brake loosened, shift gears into drive. Driving is fairly basic so long as you’ve been on the road before. Getting to that stage, however, is a much longer process.

            For those intending to be DOT/CDL drivers (meaning you’re driving more than 10,000 lbs, 16 or more passengers, or hazardous material), you’ll need to pass the written assessment, physical exam, and then the road test before you even see your license. While the written and road exam can be taken at the actual DMV site, the physical exam is intended to be conducted by a doctor.

            Essentially during your drivers physical exam in NYC you’ll be asked for a brief family health history (anywhere from seizures to gastrointestinal ulcers to kidney disease) and tested for vision (accuracy and color division) and hearing. Moreover, you’ll also need to give a urine sample to test for diabetes and potentially have an ECG if you suffer from heart problems. Doesn’t sound too bad right?

            Don’t try to pull a fast one at the DMV though. If you did not get dot physical exam in NYC from a certified doctor, you’re in for a load of trouble. You may have to go through the exam again, or worse, have your license revoked or suspended. So unless you’re classified under physically qualified by an actual physician, you’re out of luck.

            Those following the rules though have nothing to worry about. Once you’ve passed your written and physical exam, you only have the road test left before you’re certified to drive. And the rest (mastery of the skills) will come with time.  

            If you need to take your driver’s physical exam, stop by our office located conveniently in Midtown Manhattan. For more information or to schedule an appointment, check out our website at Medical Office in NYC.

Retaining Your Good Health—The Need For an Annual Physical Examination

There are many reasons why we will have to receive a physical examination during our lives. In the beginning, they are for innocuous reasons like summer camp or entry to a new school. Whatever the reason, sometimes a physical examination is required and you must do what it is you must do—that is take yourself or your child to get a physical examination by a certified doctor and hope that he or she passes the less-than-stringent requirements.

                      

A physical examination is required as we get older, as well. In fact, it is recommended that men and women undergo a general physical exam at least once a year if they serious about retaining their good health. There is no better way to retaining your good health than to periodically check your entire system. We do it for our cars, why shouldn’t we do it for ourselves?

What exactly is it that a physical exam entails? Considering that a physical exam is a set of testing procedures to make sure that you are up to par in a host of physical ways, it will consist of the very basics such as pulse and blood pressure. Don’t be surprised if your doctor straps on the ol’ blood pressure cuff and also listens to your heart with a stethoscope. Pretty basic stuff, that’s for sure. But it is this very basic stuff that indicates a person’s overall health, and this is what a general physical exam is testing for.

Blood pressure and heart rate are called an individual’s vital signs. These will definitely be tested as you undergo a general physical exam. In addition, it is a health professional’s time to check out your general appearance. A lot can be understood by a person’s general appearance. Your doctor at your local medical office will also look for mental equity as well as general physicality.

A general physical examination will include your doctor checking the lungs. If you smoke, it is important to share this information with your doctor. There is no reason in the world to be dishonest with your personal doctor. Embarrassment is the number one reason given by patients when quizzed about why they lie to their doctor. A doctor is well-trained and does not allow personal morality to come in the way of treating a patient. Never fib to your walk in clinic internist. If you do, you are only hurting yourself.

Aside from the above-mentioned tests, the doctor will almost always check your head and neck and your abdominal area, as well. If anything looks out of the ordinary during these tests, the doctor will order more extensive testing by a specialist. The general physical exam is a great way to find out if there is anything interfering with your good health before it gets to the point of becoming a health issue that is beyond treatment.

Do not be surprised—depending on your age—if the doctor also decides to test your private areas. As an individual gets a tad older, the doctor is more likely to either administer a testicular exam or a breast exam. This is completely natural and is many times needed to make a compete judgment regarding a patient’s general health.

If you live in NYC and would like to get physical examination in NYC for either a social or work commitment, or to just gauge your own health, please log onto walk in clinic for more information. Located just blocks from Grand Central Station, this certified clinic is conveniently accessible by bus, subway and car. They accept most insurance and have affordable flat fee rates for those not covered. Just call 1-212-696-5900 to make an appointment today.