Adult Physical Exam in Sterling Heights and Warren, MI

An adult physical examination is performed to see the overall health of your body. This will include questions about your health history, vital sign checks, a visual and a physical exam. Our priority number one is to make sure our patients are healthy from head to toe. Depending on your personal medical history, the doctor may choose to focus on certain areas. You may receive additional blood tests and cholesterol screenings if you have a family history of heart disease. Forum Medical Clinic is the best choice for an adult physical exam for patients in Sterling Heights, and Warren, Michigan.

Here at Forum Medical Clinic, we offer screening tests as part of the adult physical exam. Screening tests can be done at one of our locations in Sterling Heights, or Warren, Michigan.

• Colon cancer test: we recommend getting this test at age 50. However, it may be sooner based on personal health conditions and family history.
• Lung cancer screening: This test is crucial for men and women ages 55-80 who used to smoke or still smoke.
• Depression: Many people aren’t aware of possible symptoms of depression because they can be easily attributed to other things. However, a depression screening at each checkup can help us to see if your symptoms are a result of depression.
• Diabetes: We highly recommend the diabetes screening test, if you have a family history or risk factors for diabetes. Some of the risk factors can include being overweight, having high blood pressure or high cholesterol. We may also use the fasting blood sugar test or the A1C test.
• Hepatitis C: We advise you to get a one-time blood test to screen for hepatitis C if you were born between 1945 and 1965.
• Immunizations: All adults continue to need vaccinations throughout their lifetime. All of our patients are welcome to get the flu shot at one of our locations.
• STI screening: Based on your personal sexual history, regular STI screenings during each routine physical exam may be suggested. This can include HIV and syphilis testing.
• HIV test: It is recommended to take a one-time HIV test for preventive purposes. However, getting tested more than once is important if you regularly have unprotected sex.
• Syphilis test: You may need to take this test if you’re pregnant or at risk for syphilis.

There are no preparations necessary for an adult physical exam. However, if you are getting a fasting blood test, you will have to fast the day prior. We will inform our patients who are getting a fasting blood test with the fasting instructions.

You may take some notes before your exam such as:

• Anything you’re allergic to
• Your current medications
• Your symptoms, in case you’ve noticed any health issues
• Any recent lab test results
• Any device cards, if you have a pacemaker or other similar device
• The names, phone numbers, and addresses of any doctors or specialists you’re currently seeing

You can also prepare some questions to ask us, such as:

• What screening tests are recommended for my age?
• Which vaccines do I need?
• Is there anything in my family history that puts me at risk for certain health conditions?
• What changes can I make in my routine to improve my health?

Please be prepared to answer some questions, including:

• How often do you exercise?
• Do you smoke, drink alcohol, or use any drugs?
• What is your diet like?
• Are you feeling any abnormal pain or discomfort?
• Where do you feel the pain or discomfort?
• How is your sleep?

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Updated Health History

• Asking for an update on any developments or adjustments in your health history is a part of the adult physical exam. This may include questions about your job as well as relationships, medications, allergies, supplements, or any type of current surgeries.

Vital Sign Checks

• This includes taking a blood pressure reading and checking your heart rate and respiratory rate. Your blood pressure should be checked at least once every year, depending on your history.

Visual Exam

• We will review your appearance for signs of any potential conditions. They’ll check the parts of your body that could visually indicate any existing health issues. This includes examining the head, eyes, chest, abdomen, musculoskeletal systems, and nervous system functions.

Physical Exams

• As the adult physical exam continues, the doctor will use tools to look in your eyes, ears, nose, and throat. They’ll listen to your heart and lungs. This exam also includes:
  • Touching, or “palpating,” parts of your body (like your abdomen) to feel for abnormalities
  • Checking skin, hair, and nails
  • Possibly examining your genitalia and rectum
  • Testing your motor functions and reflexes

Laboratory Tests

• To complete the adult physical exam, the doctor may draw blood for several laboratory tests. These can include a complete blood count and a complete metabolic panel. The panel tests your blood plasma and can indicate any issues that exist in your kidneys, liver, and immune system. This helps detect irregularities in your body that might indicate a larger problem. Your doctor may request a diabetes screen and a thyroid screen. We may also perform a lipid panel (cholesterol test) if you have a risk of heart attack, heart disease, or stroke.