From Sports Physicals to Annual Check-Ups: Types of Physicals Offered at Urgent Care

What is Urgent Care?

Urgent care facilities are clinics that are staffed with licensed medical professionals who are able to diagnose and treat a multitude of health conditions. They often have hours of operation that extend beyond normal business hours, giving those who wish to seek care in the evening, on a weekend, or during a holiday an option to do so. At urgent care, you will find medical professionals such as:

• Medical doctors
• Certified nurse practitioners
• Physician Assistants
• Medical Assistants
• Imagining specialists (like radiology technicians)
• Laboratory staff (such as phlebotomists)

This staff is equipped with the knowledge and technology necessary to provide many types of exams and treatments. In general, people use urgent care clinics as an alternative to emergency room care, for illnesses and injuries that are not life-threatening. Some examples include:

• Norovirus (the vomiting bug)
• COVID-19
• Influenza
• STDs
• Sprains and strains
• UTIs
• Small cuts that may need stitches
• Dislocated joints
• Simple fractures
• Skin rashes and irritation
• Physicals

If you are experiencing a medical issue that is not serious enough to require a visit to the emergency room, but cannot wait for a scheduled appointment with your primary care physician, urgent care may be a great solution for you.

The Difference Between Urgent Care and Primary Care Clinics

Urgent care clinics differ from primary care clinics in several ways. The most prominent difference is that urgent care clinics are designed to provide immediate medical attention for non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses. Primary care clinics, however, offer ongoing care for chronic conditions and preventive care services.

Additionally, urgent care clinics also offer extended hours and weekend availability—while primary care clinics typically operate during regular business hours.

Common Services Offered by Urgent Care Clinics

Urgent care clinics offer a range of medical services, including treatment for non-emergent injuries, illnesses, and infections. Some of the most common services offered at urgent care clinics include:

• Treatment for minor cuts, bruises, and burns
• Treatment for colds, flu, and other respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19 and influenza
• Treatment for minor infections such as urinary tract infections, ear infections, yeast infections, conjunctivitis (pink eye), and skin rashes
• Diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays and ultrasounds
• Laboratory testing, including blood work and urinalysis

Can Urgent Care Also Perform Physicals?

Urgent care centers provide a wide range of medical services, including physical exams.

A physical exam is a brief exam that focuses on assessing your overall health and wellness. The goal of a physical exam is to identify any potential health issues, assess your risk of developing common health conditions, and provide you with recommendations for improving your overall health.

During a physical exam, a healthcare provider will perform a series of tests and assessments, based on the type of physical you are getting. According to the Cleveland Clinic, some of the assessments, tests, and procedures included in a physical are:

• Checking your vital signs, such as your blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature
• Examining your ears, nose, and throat
• Listening to your heart and lungs
• Checking your reflexes and muscle strength
• Examining your skin for any abnormalities
• Reviewing your medical history, current medications, and any health concerns you may have
• Assessing how your environment and lifestyle habits are impacting your health
• Testing blood and urine samples for any abnormalities
• STD testing for sexually active persons
• For men, checking the prostate
• For women, discussing the regularity of menstrual cycles, as well as performing a pap smear and breast exam
• Getting up-to-date on immunizations
• Assessing hearing and vision

Types of Physicals Offered at Urgent Care

There are a variety of physicals, which determine the range of assessments you undergo. Some of the types of physicals offered at urgent care clinics include:

• Sports physicals: These physicals are designed to assess your fitness level and identify any potential health issues that could impact your ability to participate in sports or other physical activities.
• Annual check-ups: These physicals are comprehensive exams that are designed to identify any potential health issues and provide you with recommendations for improving your overall health. These physicals are gender and age-specific.
• Occupational physicals: These physicals are designed to assess your fitness for a particular job or occupation.

The Pros and Cons of Getting Your Physical Exam at Urgent Care

While urgent care clinics can provide physical exams, there are some limitations to keep in mind. For example, urgent care clinics may not have access to your complete medical history, which could impact their ability to provide you with personalized recommendations for improving your health. Additionally, urgent care centers are not typically involved in your longitudinal primary care, so making sure your results get documented properly with your primary care provider is paramount.

The Benefits of Going to Urgent Care for Your Physical

Urgent care clinics are an excellent option for getting timely medical care—including physicals. Additional benefits of using urgent care include:

• Convenience - Urgent care clinics are usually open seven days a week, with extended hours. This makes it easy to schedule a physical exam at a time that works for you. You also don’t need to make an appointment in advance.
• Cost-effectiveness - Urgent care clinics may be less expensive than primary care clinics or specialists. Most urgent care clinics also accept insurance, which can further reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
• Shorter wait times - Compared to the emergency room, urgent care clinics have shorter wait times, according to surveys by the University of Chicago Medicine.

Tips for Finding Reputable and Reliable Urgent Care

Finding and choosing an urgent care clinic for your physical exam may be a daunting task, especially if you live where you have several urgent care options. Here are some tips from SolvHealth to help you find a reputable and reliable clinic near you:

• Look for a clinic that is accredited by a recognized organization, such as the Urgent Care Association of America.
• Check online reviews to see what other patients have to say about their experiences at the clinic.
• Make sure the clinic has healthcare providers who are licensed and experienced in providing physical exams.
• Check to see if the clinic accepts your insurance, or if they offer affordable self-pay options.

You can use Solv to find top-rated urgent care clinics near you, and even hold your place in line.

Preparing for Your Physical at Urgent Care

There are a few things to remember that will help you have a smooth and efficient physical appointment at urgent care, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

• Bring necessary documents - This includes your insurance care, identification card, and medication list if you take any medications on a daily basis.
• Wear comfortable clothing - This will allow you to be comfortable during your appointment, as well as help your medical provider access different areas of your body for examination
• Be prepared to answer questions regarding your medical history - If you have an extensive medical history, it may be a good idea to make a list of your past pertinent medical history. This includes a list of any chronic illnesses you have been diagnosed with, the dates of previous surgeries, a list of medications that you take on a regular basis (including herbal supplements and vitamins), and a list of any allergies you may have.

The Pros and Cons of Using Telemedicine (Virtual Visits) for Your Physical

Recent years have made virtual medical visits (known as “telemedicine”) a popular choice for many people. When it comes to getting a physical exam, telemedicine can be a convenient option. However, it's important to understand the potential risks before deciding if this option is right for you.

During a telemedicine visit, you will use a mobile app to video conference with your medical provider. Sometimes, this video conferencing is paired with remote monitoring of your vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and respiratory rate).

The biggest benefits of using telemedicine for physical exams are accessibility and convenience. This is especially helpful for individuals who live in rural areas or have mobility issues that make it difficult to travel to a physical healthcare facility.

Virtual visits can also save time and money by eliminating the need for transportation, childcare, and time off work. Additionally, virtual visits can provide a more comfortable and less intimidating environment for some individuals, which can lead to better communication and more accurate diagnoses.

While telemedicine can be convenient, there are also potential limitations to consider. One of the main risks is the lack of physical examination. This can make it difficult for healthcare providers to accurately diagnose certain conditions or detect potential health issues.

Another risk is the potential for misdiagnosis, which can occur when a healthcare provider relies solely on the information provided during a virtual visit. This can be especially concerning for individuals with complex or chronic health conditions.

It's important to note that telemedicine or virtual visits should not replace regular physical exams. Instead, they can be a helpful supplement to in-person care.

The Importance of Follow-Up Care After A Physical Exam at Urgent Care

Part of getting a complete and comprehensive physical is to follow up with your healthcare provider after a physical exam to discuss the results or any testing and any potential health concerns. Even if you feel healthy and have no symptoms, a regular physical exam can detect underlying health issues that may not be apparent or determine your risk for developing certain health conditions later on. At a follow-up, your healthcare provider can provide you with valuable information and recommendations to help you maintain good health.

Examples of Possible Follow-Up Recommendations or Referrals

Based on your physical exam results, your healthcare provider may recommend further testing or refer you to a specialist for evaluation or treatment. Here are some examples of possible follow-up recommendations or referrals your doctor may have:

• Blood work - If your blood work shows abnormal levels of cholesterol, glucose, or other markers, your healthcare provider may recommend additional blood work testing, lifestyle changes, or medication to manage these levels.
• Imaging tests - If an imaging test, such as an X-ray or MRI, reveals abnormalities, your healthcare provider may refer you to a specialist for further evaluation and treatment.
• Chronic conditions - If you have a chronic condition, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, your healthcare provider may recommend follow-up appointments to monitor your condition and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
• Cancer screenings - If you are due for a cancer screening, such as a mammogram or colonoscopy, your healthcare provider may order these tests or refer you to a specialist for further evaluation.

It is important to follow up with any recommended appointments or referrals to ensure that you receive the necessary care to maintain good health. Your healthcare provider can provide you with more information and guidance on how to manage any health concerns that may arise.

The Importance of Getting Physicals

Physicals are very important for detecting health problems early on, getting prompt treatment, and ultimately having a better outcome. They can also provide valuable information about your overall health, which will help you make informed decisions about your lifestyle and healthcare.

Because urgent care clinics offer flexible hours and a wide range of services, getting a physical done at one can be a convenient and cost-effective option for many people. If you decide to go to urgent care for your physical, remember to check with your insurance provider to see if the visit will be covered, and bring any relevant medical information with you to the appointment.