Alpharetta Internal Medicine
1380 Upper Hembree Rd
Roswell,Georgia 30076
Telephone: 770-475-2377
Fax: 770-442-0193

Maps & Directions

Cumming Internal Medicine
950 Sanders Rd
Cumming, Georgia 30041
Telephone: 770-475-2377
Fax: 770-442-0193

Maps & Directions

Physical

Physical examination or clinical examination is the process by which we investigate the body of a patient for signs of disease. It generally follows the taking of the medical history - an account of the symptoms as experienced by the patient. Together with the medical history, the physical examination aids in determining the correct diagnosis and devising the treatment plan. This data then becomes part of the medical record.

Types of Physicals

• Preventative
• Pre-op
• School
• Sports

Although we have varying approaches as to the sequence of body parts, a systematic examination generally starts at the head and finishes at the extremities. After the main organ systems have been investigated by inspection, palpation, percussion and auscultation, specific tests may follow (such as a neurological investigation, orthopedic examination) or specific tests when a particular disease is suspected.

With the clues obtained during the history and physical examination the we can now formulate a differential diagnosis, a list of potential causes of any symptoms you may be experiencing. Specific diagnostic tests (or occasionally empirical therapy) generally confirm the cause, or shed light on other, previously overlooked, causes.

A complete physical examination includes evaluation of general patient appearance and specific organ systems. It is recorded in the medical record in a standard layout which facilitates others later reading the notes. In practice the Vital signs of Temperature examination, Pulse and Blood pressure are usually measured first.