Medical examination

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Medical examination

A medical examination (pronounced: med-i-kal ex-am-in-a-tion), also known as a physical examination or clinical examination, is a process by which a healthcare professional investigates 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.

Etymology

The term "medical examination" comes from the Latin words "medicus" meaning "doctor" and "examinare" meaning "to investigate".

Procedure

A medical examination usually involves a series of tests, which may include a physical examination, laboratory tests, and medical imaging studies. The exact procedure varies depending on the patient's age, sex, and health condition, as well as the healthcare provider's practices.

Types of Medical Examinations

There are several types of medical examinations, including:

  • Routine check-up: This is a general examination that is usually performed annually to check for any changes in a person's health.
  • Pre-employment examination: This is a type of medical examination that is often required before a person can start a new job.
  • Insurance examination: This is a medical examination that is often required when a person applies for life insurance.
  • Sports physical: This is a medical examination that is often required before a person can participate in a sport.

Related Terms

  • Medical history: This is a record of information about a person's health, including past illnesses, surgeries, and hospitalizations.
  • Physical examination: This is a hands-on examination of a patient's body by a healthcare provider.
  • Laboratory test: This is a type of medical test that is performed in a laboratory, such as a blood test or urine test.
  • Medical imaging: This is a type of test that uses various forms of energy to produce images of the inside of the body, such as X-rays or MRIs.

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