Long over due for a REAL physical- how do I assure a thorough exam -& still fun

Hey just a thought here, I 'm long over due for a real physical exam. I used to go every year since I was 20 years old and of course before that during my school years. Well now for the last 3 years or more I have gone to see my doctor. How do I assure a really thorough exam and a hopeful no gown or draping while I'm there? Still to make it hot for me with out making the doctor waste time. I'm 34 male, a few minor issues from before that could be followed up on. Should I take the oppurtunity to see the PA or NP if the regular Doctor isn't in, Because I haven't seen him but once since a different doctor I had for a long time left the clinic. I herd sometimes NP 's and PA's are more thorough sometimes. Maybe when the nurse hands me the gown I just take everything off including my underwear because sometimes at this office they just hand me that and walk out with not saying anything and or handing me a gown and pull out a sheet. The very last time with my regular cool doc there I just used the sheet at my request when she handed me a gown. She said oh thats fine as guys are like that. Any thoughts ideas etc,

Oh and by the way also LONG over due for a play exam, WI,IL MI area people looking for new patients.

Thanks and look forward to hearing from the friends of zity

The gown or drape issue is easy: don't put the former on. I watch where it comes from and put it back. Ditto the drape. I am inclined to believe that an internal medicine doctor would be more thorough, head-to-toe. I am inclined to believe that an older doctor would have been trained in old school approaches, which can be seen by reading posts here. Of course word of mouth helps. Has anyone been to Dr. X, and, if so, were his/her exams...?

I agree with wrestler that you can simply put back the gown and/or drape if you don't want to use those. Remember, this is your exam -- not the doctor's. So you need to do whatever necessary to make yourself comfortable.

As far as the PA or NP is concerned, I would give them a try -- especially since it sounds like you'd be seeing a doc for the first time anyway. What do you have to lose really? I've seen NPs that are absolutely fantastic. One in particular was very methodical, and always did a very thorough, non-rushed exam. And when I say thorough, she checked everything. Then if you don't like the PA or NP experience, you can always go back to the doc the next time.