Complete Physical Exam

A month or two ago I went for a full physical exam and I was a little bit surprised at how little examining was done. The doctor did not even look in my ears or down my throat he did listen to my heart and my breathing. He reviewed the stats from my blood test. Should I be concerned that this guy is not doing his job or is this just the current level of attention paid?

Here is a discussion where some discuss the lack of “attention to detail” with current physicals

https://en.zity.biz/index.php?mx=forum;ox=display;msg=1207004

My sub has not had a complete physical in the 4 years he has been seeing his current PCP.

I had same experience but recently that has changed in MI all my last 6 physicals, those completed say between 2010 and 2018 were all different. Two were with clothes on going over my lab work, 10 min done. Two were with a gown on, listened at least to my heart and look in my ears, Palpated my abdomen asked if everything “below” was good and told me to get dressed. Other two included rectal exam. None included a genital/hernia exam. These 6 were done by 4 female and 2 male MDs

moved to AZ, 3 physicals, all female physicians First two clothes on and asked a bunch of questions, reviewed blood work both listened to my heart and one had me lay down to palpate my torso area

My wife and I decided to go to a Naturopath which we never went to in the past. She is a N.MD which means she has all the discretion of a regulpar MD and can write prescriptions as needed. We were both amazed by the difference in the thoroughness and length off the physical exams mine was the most thorough exam ever. She did everything that a male should have for the physical including full genital, hernia, testicular and anal exam portion. She also did a posture exam, advising me on how I need to change how I stand and walk so I would not develop the “hunchback” walk that affects so many older adults She completed a skin exam like a dermatologist would do, and in her thoroughness found a small cyst which was eventually removed She also sent me for a baseline hearing test, eye exam, calcium heart score, and a treadmill test. The exam and review of blood work and other medical tests was just under two hours

So in summary definitely no lack of detail with my last physical in Dec 2021! My wife had a similar experience with her physical also

You should see a different Dr. I am over 50 and the past several years the wellness or annual check ups have gone to basically nothing. However, the Dr. still checks ears, nose and throat along with lungs and pulse. Blood pressure check and temps along with weight and height are done by the nurse.

I moved to a different state 5 years ago and changed Dr's twice but, each did the same as above. My current Dr. does do a DRE each time since I am over 50.

It is scary with the state of medical care at least in the U.S.

My previous doctor explained it this way - if he does not see at least 5 patients an hour he gets a phone call from the company that owns the practice. So that's 10 minutes the most per patient.

My wife and I decided to go to a Naturopath which we never went to in the past. She is a N.MD which means she has all the discretion of a regulpar MD and can write prescriptions as needed. We were both amazed by the difference in the thoroughness and length off the physical exams mine was the most thorough exam ever.

Was your N.MD covered by insurance?

How much did this extremely extensive physical exam cost you.

I had the same experience at the VA, for my yearly check up. Go over bloodwork, then listen to the heart and thats about it. When I go with my gf to her internist, he's old school, and does an entire physical exam, with her in a gown and all, nothing is missed.

For personal reasons, I opted to change doctors and use one that specializes in internal medicine right in my hometown that has Saturday appointments.

I had only seen the outside of the office, but when I went there, the practice has been temporarily relocated a few blocks up the road. I don't know if equipment had been left behind because I have never been inside the original place.

When I was called into her office, there was no exam table. I sat in a chair and we discussed what i was there for (an annual physical), why i was changing doctors (I basically took the high road), and family history. She was getting to know me for the 1st time as a new patient. When I told her about the history of cancer, she said she was going to give me a full exam. I think she meant a full blood exam. As I sat there, she put a blood pressure cuff on me, and the reading was crazy. She told me to not mind it.

In addition to her taking my blood, she listened to my chest and back over my shirt as i continued to sit there. The exam concluded with her giving me a container for a urine specimen.

She didn't even do HEENT.

And here i wore my GRID jockstrap, which has a strong waistband that doesn't fold over while i'm sitting like some other waistbands. But I never had a chance to be exposed in it.

I'm figuring since this was the 1st time she met me, and that this may be a temporary set up, I just left it at that for now. I'll see her again in about 6 months for a script refill, and then for another annual physical next year. At which time, i may or may not ask about a DRE since i have a family history of prostate cancer and that she is already aware of it.

From reading people's accounts on here, I suspect this is typical for modern day wellness exams. Especially since she knows I see a dermatologist annually and get colonoscopies periodically. I suppose the next medical professional that would see my genitals would be a urologist if I were to develop any issues.

One of the things I can always do is to call up the offices of various PCPs and ask about what their annual physicals or wellness exams would entail. To make sure there is an option out there to be looked at more thoroughly, which may more closely resemble the way I've known exams to be conducted.

I still blame all the people who have made claims of sexual impropriety, or complained about or had issues with modesty., as well as those medical professionals who actually did overstep their bounds. Although we're far removed from the days when medical professionals had more of a military background or accustomed to such.

Not uncommon. I’ve switched docs pretty regularly over the past 6-7 years. Finally found one who isn’t afraid of more intimate types of exams. He still asks permission for the genital and prostate Checks, but at least he does them.

I've been having the same thing asst my annual physicals and some specialist appointments. The art of the annual physical exam has turned into a full out mental health appointment. I've been to six exams where the doctor had not even touched me in any way, no hand shake, no palpitations, no listening, no clothes removed. However, in finding a new practice I was asked to either sign a form to transfer my records or provide them myself. Having the ability to download my records, exam notes, test results, scans and medications, I opted to provide my own history. Reading thru my examination history I found a treasure trove of lies, inaccurate results, and notes that have NOTHING to do with me! For this last one, there is a note about my ear canal findings that reads “she knows what time her appointment was. She does this all the time. Tell her to reschedule and be on time.” Further, the Dr asks if the medication I'm taking is working for me. I reply that it is. Simple answer, no discussion. She types for three minutes about how she councils me on this and that, but she never brought any of that up with me.

At a recent dermatologist screening I was told to disrobe behind the curtain and put on the gown. After sitting back on the table she checked my hair like an ape looking for bugs! I stated to think this exam was going to be very thorough! She asked me to stand up. At that very second she went into overdrive telling me to put my underwear back on. She noticed my bare butt in the back of the gown. I informed her that I prefer to have all of my skin examined and I don't wear underwear, she rummaged through the cabinet for another gown to wrap around my pelvic area. She only parted the back of the gown down my spine, she examined my knees down and had my cover up my chest and belly only exposing from above the nipples up.

I have complete faith in my doctor, and as I'm over 50, normally ask for a PSA test once every year if possible. My doctor has little faith in this type of test and apart from asking why I want one, he usually asks if he can do a prostate exam there and then, and I always say yes! (I usually have a quick clean out before my visit to him.) Fortunately all has been ok, and he then asks if I'd like a PSA test just to make doubly sure. It is a pity that he doesn't want me to go on all fours, as that would be nicer for me; instead he asks me to lay on my left side, knees onto chest. Usually my visits last about 20mts, but I am aware that he normally likes to limit consultations to 10mts. It could be that by aiming for a 10 mt turnaround, he can get to stop some patients chattering on about things unrelated to their ailment perhaps?

I had several complete medical visits, almost always I had to undress completely even in front of my PE teacher as well as the doctor

A month or two ago I went for a full physical exam and I was a little bit surprised at how little examining was done. The doctor did not even look in my ears or down my throat he did listen to my heart and my breathing. He reviewed the stats from my blood test. Should I be concerned that this guy is not doing his job or is this just the current level of attention paid?

My experience is exactly as yours and is apparently standard protocol going forward in the new millennium.

I guess it’s what you consider a “complete exam”. I consider my exams complete with a review of symptons, complaints, scheduled diagnostics for my age, blood work, etc and referrals to specialists for suspected issues. Listening to my abdomen with a stethoscope is suggestive at best - and there are better ways to assess organ issues today than ages ago.

My humble recommendation is save the “hands on” stuff for medfet play and let your real doctors do what they feel is needed…or not needed.