Physical Exam/Office Visit

A physical examination provides an opportunity for the healthcare professional to obtain baseline information about the patient for future use. A complete physical examination usually starts at the head and proceeds all the way down to the toes. First, the examiner will observe the patient's appearance, general health, and behavior. Height and weight are measured, along with vital signs, which include pulse, breathing rate, body temperature, and blood pressure. A physical exam also includes a Review of Systems, which will review the skin; head; eyes; ears; nose and sinuses; mouth and pharynx; neck; back; breasts and armpits; front of chest and lungs; heart; abdomen; rectum and anus; reproductive organs; legs; musculoskeletal system; blood vessels; and a neurological screen.