Why Would I Need a Physical Before Starting a New Job?

Whether you’re new to the workforce or are returning after a break, it’s important to know which hoops you have to jump through to be eligible for work, and pre-employment physicals are often one of your first steps.

Pre-employment physicals are a great way to back up your resume and prove that you’re fit for work, but we understand if you have some questions. Here, Phylis Muthee, NP, ARNP, and the team at Ezzia Healthcare PLLC in Everett, Washington, walk through a few reasons why your employer is asking for a clean bill of health. 

To make sure you’re ready for work

Many jobs involve manual labor, which means everyone on the team needs to be in shape to lift heavy objects, stand for long periods, and operate heavy machinery. With a pre-employment physical, we can give you the go-ahead to keep up with the demands of your new job. 

If, for some reason, you aren’t able to meet the physical demands of your new job, we make the employer aware, which helps them decide if the job is right for you. 

To screen for chronic health problems

A pre-employment physical allows you to address any underlying health problems before you start working. It can also give your employer a heads up in case you need accommodations, such as an ergonomic chair or flexible work schedule.

To comply with regulations

In many cases, pre-employment physicals are simply part of company policies, especially if you’re entering the healthcare field or applying for a physically dangerous and demanding job.

What happens at a pre-employment physical?

Pre-employment physicals are simple yet comprehensive. Here’s a closer look at the process.

Vital signs

We start with the basics and check all your vital signs, including your blood pressure and pulse. Sometimes, your vital signs are enough to help us detect a chronic disease or potential problem. Additionally, we measure your weight and calculate your body mass index (BMI).

Review of medical history

Next, we discuss your medical background, covering everything from your personal and family history of diseases to your habits and current medications. 

You can also ask us questions about any concerns you have about your health. We can give you tips on staying safe in the workplace and managing any health problems you might have.

Physical examination 

Then, we conduct a thorough physical examination to evaluate your overall health. This typically includes examining your ears, eyes, throat, respiratory system, cardiovascular system, limbs, reflexes, and other relevant areas to identify potential health issues. 

We may recommend additional exams to test your vision and hearing if necessary. We can also order drug tests, blood tests, urine tests, asthma and allergy tests, X-rays, or other imaging procedures to get a complete picture of your health. 

Treatment 

If you require medical intervention or vaccinations, we can provide appropriate treatment. Depending on your needs, this may include prescribing medications and implementing other therapeutic measures to effectively manage any medical conditions you might have. 

Employers have different requirements, and we have years of experience tailoring your physical to your and your employer’s specific needs.

You can also see us for routine physicals during your employment. For instance, the Department of Transportation requires you to have a physical every two years. Regardless of your employer's recommendations, we encourage you to see us once a year for your own health benefits and peace of mind.

If you need to schedule a pre-employment or routine physical, call our friendly staff or use our online booking tool to schedule an appointment today.