Pre-Employment Physical Exams Q&A

A pre-employment work physical is a medical checkup that an employer requires prospective employees to undergo before offering them a job. The purpose of this physical exam is to ensure that the employee is physically fit to perform the job duties and to safeguard the employer from the liability that might arise if the employee gets injured on the job.
 
The pre-employment physical typically evaluates various aspects of the candidate’s health, including their general physical condition, vital signs, mobility, strength, vision, hearing, and overall health history. Depending on the job, additional tests may be conducted, such as drug testing, tuberculosis screening, and psychometric evaluations.

The following are the basic components typically included in a pre-employment physical examination:

– Medical History: The candidate’s medical history is analyzed during the pre-employment physical examination to check for any pre-existing medical conditions that may hinder job performance.
– Vital Signs: Vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate are taken to screen for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.
– Physical Examination: This part of the examination includes a full body check-up with the doctor checking the candidate’s overall physical health, including posture, gait, sensory, and motor function.
– Vision and Hearing: Tests are conducted to determine the candidate’s visual and hearing abilities.
– Drug and Alcohol Screening: A urine test may be conducted to check for the presence of drugs and alcohol in the candidate’s system. This is especially important for jobs where the candidate’s sobriety is crucial to job performance.
– Psychological Screening: A psychological evaluation may be conducted to determine the candidate’s mental state to discern if they would pose a psychological threat in the workplace.

It’s important to go through the pre-employment physical examination process with a positive attitude and to follow the instructions given by the physician. To ensure you’re ready, here are some tips on how you can prepare for your appointment:
 
– Know What to Expect: Get in touch with your employer or human resources department to find out what the physical examination will entail, as this will help you to prepare mentally and physically for the experience.
– Get Enough Rest: Ensure that you get enough sleep the night before the examination, as lack of sleep can affect your blood pressure reading and other health parameters.
– Eat a Healthy Meal: Eat a healthy, well-balanced meal before the examination, as this will provide you with the necessary energy and prevent dehydration during the examination.
– Bring Relevant Documents: You should bring all relevant forms, such as ID cards, previous medical records, and any lists of medication you are on.
– Dress Appropriately: Dress comfortably and in clothes that are easy to remove, as this will make it easier for the doctor to conduct the necessary examinations.
– Don’t Smoke or Consume Alcohol: Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol before the examination, as these substances can affect your blood pressure and other health parameters.
– Explain Any Pre-existing Health Conditions: You should inform the doctor about any pre-existing medical conditions or previous surgeries you may have had, as this information will help them understand your medical history.

In general, there is no “pass” or “fail” in a pre-employment physical.
 
Instead, the physician or medical practitioner conducting the exam will provide the employer with a report outlining the findings. It’s then up to the employer to use this report to determine if the potential employee is medically suitable for the job.
 
Some medical problems can disqualify a candidate from a job, such as a severe heart condition or hypertension. In contrast, other minor health issues such as impaired vision or hearing loss may necessitate corrective measures but won’t undermine their eligibility.
 
At Reddy Urgent Care, we offer professional pre-employment physicals to support you in moving forward with your job application process. Connect with us today for more information about out physical examinations or walk-in for a same day visit at your earliest convenience. We serve patients from Downtown Long Beach CA, Bixby Knolls Long Beach CA, Paramount CA, East Side CA, and Los Altos CA.