Navigating the healthcare system to get a physical exam can sometimes feel like a maze. Whether it’s for school, sports, work, or just your annual health check, knowing Where Can I Get A Physical is a common question. Patient First urgent care centers offer a straightforward solution, providing a variety of physical exam services on a walk-in basis, making healthcare accessible and convenient when you need it.
Annual Wellness Physicals: Prioritizing Your Long-Term Health
For routine annual check-ups, it’s generally recommended to see your Primary Care Provider (PCP) to ensure continuity of care. If Patient First is your chosen PCP, you can certainly schedule your annual wellness physical here. Having a consistent PCP is beneficial for managing chronic conditions and building a strong doctor-patient relationship. While Patient First is readily available for urgent medical needs, establishing a PCP for annual physicals and ongoing health management is a good practice for comprehensive healthcare.
It’s worth noting that Medicare typically doesn’t cover “annual physicals” as a standard benefit. Additionally, Patient First doesn’t conduct “Welcome to Medicare” exams for patients with Medicare as their primary insurance. However, Patient First welcomes Medicare patients and provides thorough physical exams, addressing any health concerns you may have during your visit.
Sports Physicals: Ensuring Athletes are Ready to Play
For young athletes and those participating in sports programs, a sports physical is often a prerequisite for participation. Patient First centers are equipped to provide these essential sports physical exams at any location. To expedite your visit, remember to complete the patient sections on all required forms from your school, team, or sports program beforehand and bring them with you. If you cannot accompany your child, make sure to fill out the ‘History’ section of the form.
It’s important to understand that a sports physical primarily assesses an athlete’s fitness for physical activity and isn’t a substitute for a comprehensive health maintenance exam. If Patient First is your PCP, your sports physical form can often be completed based on your existing annual wellness physical records, streamlining the process.
Learn More About Sports Physicals
School and Camp Physicals: Preparing for Academic and Summer Adventures
Patient First offers walk-in school physicals, providing a convenient option to ensure your child is ready for the academic year. While you can see any provider at Patient First, maintaining consistency by having your primary provider, whether at Patient First or elsewhere, perform your child’s school physical is generally advised. Before your visit, complete the necessary patient sections on any forms required by your school, state, or academic program. It’s also wise to check with your health insurance provider to confirm coverage for school physicals.
Similarly, camp physicals are available at all Patient First locations for children attending summer camps that require them. Like sports physicals, camp physicals are not replacements for regular health check-ups but can often be based on a recent annual wellness physical if Patient First is your PCP.
Learner’s Permit and Employment Certificate Physicals (NJ and PA): Meeting Specific Requirements
For individuals in Pennsylvania and New Jersey seeking a learner’s permit, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation mandates a physical exam. Patient First centers in these states offer learner’s permit physicals. However, these are not available at Patient First locations in Virginia, Washington D.C., or Maryland.
Likewise, minors under 18 in many states, including Pennsylvania and New Jersey, need an employment certificate (working papers), often requiring a physical exam before starting a job. Patient First centers in PA and NJ provide employment certificate physical exams. These are not offered at their locations in VA, D.C., or MD. Before your visit, complete the patient sections on any forms related to your state’s employment certificate or provided by your employer and bring all relevant documents.
DOT Physicals: For Commercial Drivers
For professional and commercial drivers, regular Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exams are usually mandatory. Patient First offers DOT physicals conducted by FMCSA-certified physicians trained in DOT policies. It’s recommended to check your local Patient First center’s page to ensure a DOT examiner is available when you plan to visit.
Learn More About DOT Physicals
Pre-Employment and Return-To-Work Physicals: Supporting Workforce Health
Patient First also provides pre-employment physicals and return-to-work physicals as part of their Occupational Health services, catering to employer needs. If your employer requires a pre-employment physical, bring all employer-provided paperwork, completed as thoroughly as possible. Also, bring identification, medical history, and lists of current medications and allergies. If your employer will be billed directly, they need to have a current IC account set up with Patient First.
Learn More About Occupational Health Services
Streamlining Your Physical Exam Visit
To make your visit to Patient First for a physical exam as efficient as possible, remember to complete the patient sections of any required forms from employers, schools, or programs before you arrive. Keep in mind that pricing and availability for certain physicals can vary by state. Patient First aims to provide accessible and comprehensive physical exam services to meet a wide range of needs, answering the question of where can I get a physical with convenient walk-in options and a variety of specialized physicals.
