Exam Table Position

Does your doctor use an adjustable exam table?

Are you examined partially reclined, flat, or some combination?

I had a physical in September where I started sitting on the end of the table, but then the doctor laid the table all the way flat for the next part of the exam after she listened to my lungs, and asked me to lay back so she could listen to my chest.

I generally enjoy being laid flat for as much of the exam as possible. Curious to see what others prefer.

I generally enjoy being laid

I heard that about you. ;P

If I recall correctly, I believe when I enter the room with the nurse, the table is mostly flat but inclined slightly, perhaps 15° or so. Like the OP, I begin the physical exam by sitting on the end of the table. When it's time for the abdominal exam the doctor has me lie back while he extends the leg rest. I believe while I'm positioning myself (the pillow is never in the correct position, it almost always hits me in my lower back), he will lower the table top all the way flat and continue examining me until it's time to stand up.

In the past, I have had the doctor raise and/ or lower the table top depending on what he is looking, listening, or feeling at that moment. He or she may put me in 2 or 3 positions while I'm lying back.

Examined in different positions but dislike laying flat.

I also do not like the flat position. Laying back with had slightly raised is ok, but the fully flat hurts my back and neck

Physio exam was always done laying flat, either on a bed or a mat on the floor.

When I go I am sitting on the table. She looks in my eyes, nose, and ears. Then she unties my gown so it will drop. She checks my breasts. Then she has me lay down and the table at this point is flat. She checks my breasts like this and then my tummy. Then she tells me to scoot down to the end of the table with my bottom hanging off. At this point, while I am scooting she hits a button that raises the table a little at the head. She asks if I am comfortable and she starts the rest of the exam.

Usually the one I sit on is slightly raised, and they just pull out the foot-rest. I only lay down for the abdomen palpation/exam, musculoskeletal stuff, and EKG.

I had a former doctor, a Middle Eastern female (she rolled her r's beautifully when she announced the rectal exam) who would electronically raise the table 6-8 inches for me to bend over when it was that time.

There was something about standing there for 4-5 seconds with my underwear around my ankles watching the table rise that really added to the experience.