Physical exams in Brookfield
A yearly physical is a chance to check how you are doing and catch problems early. We also do pre-employment and work physicals for adults.
- Medicare accepted
- Dr. Ghani and Dr. Gill
- Brookfield, IL
Maple Medical Center in Brookfield offers yearly physicals for adults and older adults, plus pre-employment and work physicals. A physical includes your health history, a medicine review, vital signs, a hands-on exam and any needed tests. A Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is different. It is a planning conversation, not a hands-on physical exam.
Why a yearly physical is worth your time
Many health problems start quietly. High blood pressure, high blood sugar and some cancers often cause no symptoms at first.
A physical gives your doctor a full look at your health. It is also a good time to review your medicines, catch up on vaccines and plan your screening tests.
At Maple Medical Center, Dr. Ghani and Dr. Gill care for adults and older adults. Seeing the same doctor over the years makes changes in your health easier to spot.
A physical also sets a baseline. If you get sick later, your doctor can compare new results with your usual numbers.
What happens at a physical
Your health history
We ask about your health, your family’s health, your daily habits and any new concerns.
A medicine review
We go over every prescription, vitamin and over-the-counter product you take.
Vital signs
We check your blood pressure, pulse, weight and other basic measures.
A hands-on exam
Your doctor listens to your heart and lungs, checks your belly and examines other areas as needed.
Tests and next steps
Your doctor may order blood work or other tests, and blood can be drawn here in our office. We also talk about the screenings and vaccines you are due for.
Types of physicals
Yearly physical for adults
A once-a-year check of your overall health, with screening advice based on your age and history.
Learn more ›Physicals for older adults
This is also a good time to talk about falls, memory, hearing and daily activities. Ask about a hearing test in our office.
Learn more ›Pre-employment and work physicals
For a new job or a job requirement. Bring your employer’s form and call ahead so we can review what it needs.
Learn more ›School and camp physicals
We care for adults and older adults. Call to ask about school or camp forms for younger patients.
Pre-employment and work physicals
Each employer asks for something different. Some need a basic exam and a signed form. Others also ask for tests. Some employers send you to a specific clinic, so check with them first.
Common requests include a hearing test, a breathing test, an EKG, an X-ray or blood work. These can be done in our office. Learn more about in-office testing.
Call (708) 485-4050 before you book and tell us what the form asks for. We’ll let you know whether we can complete every part of it.
Screenings your doctor may talk about
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends these checks for many adults. Your doctor will fit the list to your age, health and history.
- Blood pressure checks for all adults
- Cholesterol and blood sugar tests, based on your age and risk
- Colon cancer screening from age 45 to 75
- A mammogram every two years for women 40 to 74
- A bone density test for women 65 and older
- Lung cancer screening from 50 to 80 for some current and former smokers
- A one-time hepatitis C test for adults 18 to 79
- Questions about mood and depression
What to bring to your physical
A little preparation helps you get the most from your visit. If hearing or remembering details is hard, bring a family member along.
- Photo ID and all your insurance cards, including Medicare
- All your medicine bottles, or a full list with doses
- Vitamins, supplements and over-the-counter products you take
- Names and phone numbers of your other doctors
- Any forms from your employer
- Recent test results or records from other offices
- Your glasses and hearing aids, if you use them
- A short list of questions and concerns
A physical compared with a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit
| Yearly physical | Medicare Annual Wellness Visit | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A hands-on exam of your body | A planning conversation about staying well |
| What happens | Health history, vital signs, a physical exam and tests as needed | A review of your health risks, routine measurements, a memory check and a written prevention plan |
| Who it is for | Adults of any age | People who have had Medicare Part B for more than 12 months |
| How often | Usually once a year | Once every 12 months |
| Medicare coverage | Original Medicare does not cover routine physicals | Covered by Medicare Part B |
Physical or wellness visit: which do you need?
If you have Medicare, you may hear about the Annual Wellness Visit. It sounds like a physical, but Medicare.gov says it is not a routine physical exam.
In your first 12 months with Part B, you can have a one-time “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit. After that, you can have a wellness visit once every 12 months. At a wellness visit, you can also talk about advance directives, your written wishes for future care. It is also a good time to update your list of doctors and medicines.
Your doctor may also check or treat a health problem at the same visit. If so, a deductible or coinsurance may apply. Some Medicare Advantage plans may cover a yearly physical, so check with your plan.
Not sure which visit to book? Call (708) 485-4050 and we’ll help you choose.
Insurance and booking
We accept many insurance plans, including Medicare, but not every plan. Call (708) 485-4050 and we’ll check yours before your visit. You can also read our insurance page.
For a work physical, have your employer’s form handy when you call. You can also visit our appointment page.
Questions we hear about physical exams
Do I need to fast before my physical?
Sometimes. If your doctor plans certain blood tests, you may need to skip food beforehand. Call (708) 485-4050 before your visit and we’ll tell you what to do.
Does Medicare pay for a yearly physical?
Original Medicare does not cover routine physical exams. It does cover a one-time “Welcome to Medicare” visit and a yearly Annual Wellness Visit. Some Medicare Advantage plans may cover a physical, so check with your plan.
Can I get a pre-employment physical here?
Yes, we do pre-employment and work physicals for adults. Call first and tell us what your employer’s form asks for, so we can confirm we can complete it.
Can my child get a school or camp physical?
We care for adults and older adults. Please call (708) 485-4050 to ask about school or camp physicals for younger patients.
What is the "Welcome to Medicare" visit?
It is a one-time preventive visit within your first 12 months of Part B. Medicare.gov says it includes a health review and a simple vision test. You also get a plan for screenings and vaccines. Like the wellness visit, it is not a head-to-toe physical exam.
Can I bring up a health problem during my physical?
Yes, please tell us about any new symptoms. If a problem is treated during a Medicare wellness or preventive visit, a deductible or coinsurance may apply.
Related care
Preventive care & screenings
Preventive care helps find health problems early, often before you notice anything. Our doctors help adults and older adults know which screenings fit their age and history.
Learn more ›Care for older adults
Health care often gets more involved after 65. There are more medicines, more doctors and more questions. Our internal medicine doctors help older adults and their families keep it all in one place.
Learn more ›Vaccines
Vaccines protect you from illnesses that hit older adults hardest, like flu, pneumonia and shingles. Our doctors help you see which shots you are due for and where to get them.
Learn more ›In-office testing
Several tests your doctor may order can be done right here in our office on Ogden Avenue. That can mean fewer trips to other buildings.
Learn more ›Ready to see a doctor who knows you?
Call our Brookfield office and our team will find a time that works for you. We accept many insurance plans, including Medicare, but not every plan. We’ll check yours before your visit.
Important information
This page is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor which screenings and tests are right for you. If you have chest pain, trouble breathing or signs of a stroke, call 911.