Physical Exams Specialist
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Gulf West Medical Associates
Rajesh B Dave, MD
Internal Medicine & Primary Care located in Port Richey, FL
Having a yearly physical exam can be a vital part of caring for your health, but you might also need to have a checkup for a variety of other reasons. If you need a physical exam, board-certified internist Rajesh Dave, MD, of Gulf West Medical Associates can help. Dr. Dave is an experienced physician who has considerable experience in conducting physical exams of all types. Call the office in Port Richey, Florida, today, or book an appointment online.
Physical Exams Q&A
What are physical exams?
Physical exams are routine medical checkups that help you stay healthy by picking up any underlying health issues. Dr. Dave looks for early warning signs of health problems that don’t always cause noticeable symptoms, at least in the earlier stages. Common examples of such health issues include:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Heart disease
- Eye disorders
- Some cancers
Having a physical exam gives you a chance to identify any problems before they reach a serious or irreversible condition.
A yearly physical exam is one of the most effective ways to look after your health. You might also need a wellness visit, which is covered by Medicare. An annual wellness visit is more concerned with safeguarding your future health, so it’s best to have an annual physical as well as a wellness visit.
What other reasons are there for having a physical exam?
There are all sorts of reasons why you might need a physical exam aside from an annual physical. Common reasons for needing a physical exam include:
- Work requirements
- Insurance
- Employer drug testing
- Pre-employment physical
- Executive physical
- Department of Transportation (DOT) physical
You also need to undergo a physical exam if you’re over 65 and enrolling in Medicare. This is part of the Welcome to Medicare process.
What happens during a physical exam?
Dr. Dave tailors your exam to any specific needs you may have. He reviews your medical history with you and asks you about your current health and any concerns. He checks your vital signs and measures your:
- Blood pressure
- Heart rate
- Respiration rate
- Temperature
- Reflexes
Dr. Dave is also looking at your alertness, movements, and mental and physical reactions. He can pick up on any signs of health issues like rashes or slow responses, and note any deterioration in preexisting conditions.
Dr. Dave then carries out a thorough physical examination. He listens to the sounds your heart and lungs make and examines each part of your body in turn. He also takes blood and urine samples to check for signs of problems such as:
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Hormone imbalances
- Infections
You can have a blood sample taken on-site, as Gulf West Medical Associates has its own phlebotomist.
You might need to go for an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI scan if Dr. Dave needs further information, or you have a condition that needs reviewing.
Screening tests are also a valuable tool for picking up conditions such as:
- Cervical cancer
- Breast cancer
- Enlarged prostate
- STDs (sexually transmitted diseases)
If you need a physical exam, Dr. Dave has extensive experience of carrying them out and providing any treatment you might need. Call Gulf West Medical Associates today to arrange your physical exam or book an appointment online.
