September 8, 2026

Quick Summary A physical exam typically covers several aspects of your health, including a review of your medical history, vital signs, heart and lung checks, and other hands-on assessments. Your doctor may also review your medications, vaccination history, preventive screenings, and need for laboratory testing. The specific components can vary depending on your age, symptoms, health history, and individual risk factors. Routine physicals also help monitor changes in your health and keep preventive care current. Many patients ask, what does a physical exam include, especially when they have not had a routine checkup recently. At Etheridge Family Medicine, we use physical exams to review your health and identify changes that may need attention. We also discuss prevention, screenings, medications, and personal health goals. Our Somerset, NJ family medicine team keeps each appointment comfortable, clear, and focused on you. Step 1: We Review Your Medical History The appointment begins with a discussion of your medical history and any changes since your last visit. Our team will ask about previous illnesses, surgeries, allergies, medications, supplements, and recent appointments with specialists. Family medical history is also relevant because certain conditions may have a hereditary component. Having this background helps the Etheridge Family Medicine team better understand your risk factors and identify areas that may need closer attention. Step 2: We Discuss Current Health Concerns A physical exam also gives you an opportunity to discuss symptoms or health changes that have been affecting you. You may want to mention fatigue, headaches, persistent pain, sleep difficulties, digestive problems, stress, or changes in your normal routine. We may ask when a symptom began, how frequently it occurs, and what seems to make it better or worse. These details can help us determine if further testing, treatment, or a follow-up appointment is appropriate. Step 3: We Check Your Vital Signs Patients asking “What does a physical exam include?” often want to know which basic measurements are taken during the visit. Common checks include blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, height, and weight. These readings give the care team a baseline view of your current health and make it easier to track changes during future appointments. When a measurement falls outside the expected range, your doctor can discuss the result and determine if it should be checked again or evaluated further. Step 4: We Examine Your Heart And Lungs During an in-person physical, your provider will typically use a stethoscope to listen to your heart and lungs. This includes assessing your heart rate and rhythm while listening for sounds that could warrant further attention. The examination also includes listening to your breathing. You may be asked about coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or other respiratory symptoms. If something unusual is detected, the findings will be explained and the appropriate next step can be discussed. Step 5: We Check Your Head And Neck Depending on your age, symptoms, medical history, and overall health, the examination may include your eyes, ears, nose, mouth, throat, and neck. The provider may also check the neck for tenderness, swelling, or changes around the lymph nodes or thyroid area. These observations can help identify signs that may require treatment or a more detailed evaluation. Step 6: We Examine Your Abdomen An abdominal examination may be part of a routine physical when your medical history or current symptoms make it appropriate. We may listen for bowel sounds and gently examine different areas of your abdomen for tenderness, swelling, or other changes. Tell us if you have experienced abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, appetite changes, or changes in your bowel habits. Your symptoms, combined with our examination findings, help determine if additional testing or evaluation is needed. Step 7: We Check Your Skin, Movement, And Strength Your doctor may examine your skin for rashes, wounds, swelling, unusual color changes, or spots that appear concerning. Depending on your symptoms and medical history, the physical may also include an assessment of movement, strength, balance, or reflexes. Let your provider know if you have noticed a changing mole, joint stiffness, numbness, weakness, or pain that affects your everyday activities. These findings can help the medical team determine if imaging, therapy, specialist care, or another evaluation would be appropriate. Step 8: We Review Preventive Screenings Preventive care is an important part of understanding “What does a physical exam include,” since a routine visit involves more than checking for current symptoms. Screening recommendations are reviewed based on factors such as your age, personal history, family history, and individual health risks. Depending on your circumstances, the discussion may cover cholesterol testing, diabetes screening, cancer screenings, bone health, or other preventive services. Your provider can explain the purpose of each recommended screening and how it fits into your overall health plan. Step 9: We Review Vaccines And Medications Your vaccination history may be reviewed during the appointment, along with vaccines that could be appropriate based on your age, medical history, or seasonal needs. The medication review can include prescriptions, over-the-counter products, vitamins, and supplements. Let us know about any side effects, missed doses, or concerns about how a medication works. Looking at your full medication list helps the care team identify possible interactions and determine if your current treatment plan remains suitable for your needs. Step 10: We Decide If You Need Lab Tests Not every physical exam involves the same laboratory tests or blood work. We may recommend testing based on your symptoms, medications, age, preventive screening needs, or existing health conditions. Depending on your health profile, common tests may include blood sugar or cholesterol testing. We explain why a particular test is recommended and discuss relevant results with you once they are available. Step 11: We Talk About Daily Health Habits A physical exam gives us time to discuss habits that affect your long-term health. We may ask about nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress, alcohol use, and tobacco use. We approach these conversations respectfully and focus on realistic changes that fit your life. Regular primary care visits let us review progress and adjust