Our Services / Physical Exams

What are physical exams?

Physical exams are routine exams the team at Southern New Hampshire Internal Medicine uses to assess your overall health and well-being. 

Though you can expect some type of physical exam during an urgent care visit, you don’t have to be sick to request a physical exam. An annual physical exam is one of the most important health visits of the year. 

This exam allows your provider at Southern New Hampshire Internal Medicine to assess your overall health and well-being and future risk of disease. It also gives you and your provider an opportunity to discuss your health and habits so you can make lifestyle changes that may prevent disease.  

What happens during physical exams?

No single physical exam is like another. The specifics of your exam depend on your age, sex, medical history, and health concerns. 

During physical exams, the team will:

• Discuss your health and concerns
• Review your medical and family history
• Ask about the types of medications and supplements you take
• Check your weight, height, blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature
• Evaluate your ears, eyes, nose, and throat
• Test vision and hearing
• Assess general appearance
• Palpate internal organs
• Check reflexes and joints
• Run lab tests to screen for health conditions

Southern New Hampshire Internal Medicine specializes in men’s health and women’s health. Men and women have unique health needs and different disease risks.

During a physical exam for men, the team may include screenings for prostate or testicular cancer. For women, the exam may include a pelvic and breast exam, as well as a screening for cervical cancer (Pap smear).

Southern New Hampshire Internal Medicine also offers 3D digital mammography to screen for breast cancer in women. The American Cancer Society recommends women 40 and older have a regular mammogram. 

Additionally, the practice provides on-site bone density testing for women and men to screen for osteoporosis. 

What happens after physical exams?

After your physical exam, your provider spends time talking to you about your health. The team of health experts works closely with you to design a plan that promotes a healthy lifestyle and prevents the onset of disease.

The primary care practice offers many preventive health services, including nutrition, annual wellness visits, cholesterol management, and cardiology.

To schedule a physical exam, call Southern New Hampshire Internal Medicine, or book an appointment online today.