Pre-employment Physical Exam Cost Q&A

Pre-employment physicals exist to ensure a potential new hire can safely perform the job responsibilities required by the position they are applying for. As pre-employment physicals are measuring for certain mental and physical capabilities, it is possible for someone not to pass.
 
Failing a pre-employment physical can happen for numerous reasons such as not being physically fit enough to do the job requirements, having conditions that would limit your ability to accomplish tasks, or failing the drug and alcohol test. What constitutes a ‘fail’ depends on what specific qualities your employer is looking for – this should be outlined on the pre-employment physical sheet that they will provide to you to give to your performing physician. 
 
To ensure the exam goes as smoothly as possible, be prepared. Make sure that you bring any assistive devices (such as hearing aids, glasses, contacts, etc) as well as past records of any known medical conditions, surgeries, allergies, and medications.

When you undergo a pre-employment physical, it’s standard practice for the physician to run some medical tests to ensure you’re physically sound – this includes taking your blood pressure. 
 
Blood pressure is a measure of the force at which your heart is pumping blood around the body and the pressure in your blood vessels between heartbeats. Normal blood pressure is typically around 120/80 mmHg or below. Elevated blood pressure that lies outside of normal ranges may be indicative of a health problem that needs to be addressed. 
 
While it’s possible to pass your physical with marginally above-normal blood pressure, you may not pass if your blood pressure is considered to be too high. High blood pressure puts you at higher risk for cardiovascular complications – something that is a no-go for some work positions.

There are five basic facets of your health that will be assessed during a pre-employment exam.
 
● Mental Health Assessment. Before the exam, you will likely be asked to complete a medical questionnaire that will help the physician assess your mental health and pinpoint any potential risk factors or underlying issues.
● Hearing and Vision Test. During the exam, a nurse or doctor will assess your hearing using an audiometer and your vision using an eye chart. Both tests are completely painless and will accurately measure your current levels of hearing and sight.
● Heart Health Test. This portion of the exam helps to detect any underlying heart conditions that you may have. It often includes the doctor listening to your heartbeat, taking your blood pressure, and potentially ordering an EKG should you require further testing.
● Physical Ability Test. This test measures your physical fitness and ability to perform certain physical acts that pertain to the roles and responsibilities of the position. It may include tasks such as lifting, carrying an object, jumping, walking, running, etc.
● Drug and Alcohol Test. You will often be asked to provide a urine, blood, or hair sample which will be tested for drugs and alcohol. This is to ensure that employees aren’t under the influence of drugs or alcohol while working.

The tests and evaluations that you will undergo during your pre-employment physical will depend on the position you were offered by your potential employer, as the purpose of the physical is to evaluate your ability to perform certain tasks associated with that specific role. Your employer will usually send you a list of their requirements as well as a list of tests that they expect your physician to perform during the physical. 
 
Typically, you should anticipate the following when it comes to your pre-employment physical:
 
● To be asked about your personal and family medical history.
● To give details regarding your lifestyle and your mental and physical health.
● To have your vitals taken (including weight, height, temperature, and blood temperature).
● To be given a physical examination.
● To be screened for drugs and alcohol.
● To have your vision and hearing assessed.
 
If you require a pre-employment physical, look no further than Express Health Urgent Care. We offer the professional and efficient care that you need, with your health and safety standing always at the forefront. Contact us today for more information about pre-employment physicals or book with us online if you’d like to schedule an appointment. We serve patients from Brooklyn NYC, Queens NY, East Harlem NYC, Manhattan NY, Coney Island NYC, Midwood NY, Nostrand NYC, Ridgewood NY, Metropolitan NYC, Staten Island NYC, Greenwich Village NY, and surrounding areas.