Diversity Healthcare

Routine Checkups

Young black man in the middle of the city, smiling.

We offer routine checkups for all of our patients

Our checkups include:

  • A review of your personal and family history
  • Your stress level and emotional well-being
  • Immunizations
  • A physical examination and appropriate laboratory tests

One of the most important services we can provide is a routine checkup. We ask that you come in once a year for a checkup.

How might a checkup at Diversity Healthcare differ from somewhere else?
Every clinician has his or her own style of conducting examinations, and some clinics and offices have more time or particular areas of expertise or interest. Some clinics conduct checkups in less than ten minutes, others do so over the course of multiple visits on multiple days. At Diversity Healthcare, we believe in a thorough but reasonable approach. In most cases, we block 45 to 60 minutes for your visit, but that includes paperwork, as well as any immunizations or other tests you need or that we recommend.

The elements of a checkup may vary based on your age, medical history, and whether you are a new or established patient. The components of the visit are:

Medical History

The first part of the visit involves your medical history. This includes several topics ranging from medications you take, surgeries or hospitalizations in the past, how you are feeling, and any symptoms you might be experiencing.

Your medical history also includes asking about your family history to see if you have any risks for hereditary diseases.

We will also ask a “social history,” which includes questions about tobacco, alcohol, and your sexual history. Again, this information is private. It is important to be honest so that we can establish any risks you may have for an injury or illness.

Other questions are about your psychological wellbeing, if you are experiencing any emotional concerns such as anxiety or depression.

Lastly, we always ensure that your vaccines are up to date. And we make recommendations on vaccines that you might be missing, or vaccines that might be appropriate if you are traveling.

Keeping You Comfortable

For some men, undergoing a physical examination can be uncomfortable, unfamiliar, or embarrassing. Other men are more at ease. Some men prefer a “running commentary” describing each step; others would prefer to just “get through it” without discussion. Let us know what is most comfortable for you.

Chaperones and Guests

You may request a chaperone, and you may also have a friend, parent, or relative accompany you.

Your Modesty and Privacy

Diversity Healthcare has examination gowns if you would like them. We value your preference; some men feel uncomfortable wearing gowns; we will do everything we can to honor your preferences.

Physical Examination

Although this is not a complete list, this gives you an idea of what the examination includes and why.

Head, Eyes, Ears, Nose, and Throat
This examination includes looking at the backs of your eyes with an ophthalmoscope, looking in your ears to ensure that the drums are intact, and checking the back of your throat for infections or other abnormalities.
Neck
We are examining your neck for how easily it moves, if there are any swollen lymph glands, and if you have any enlargement or masses on your thyroid gland (in the front of your neck.)
Lungs
This exam includes looking at your chest to ensure that your lungs expand symmetrically and listening to your lungs with a stethoscope for any abnormal sounds. You will be asked to take deep breaths, as the clinician moves the stethoscope from side to side, on the front and back of your chest.
Heart
This examination includes feeling your heart as it beats against the wall of your chest (this partially a test to see if your heart is enlarged.) Then your healthcare provider will listen to your heart with a stethoscope. The exam is conducted you with multiple sides of the stethoscope to hear different heart sounds more clearly, and we will likely examine your heart in multiple positions, such as sitting, lying down, standing, or lying on your left side. This is a way to hear your heart better, and to check for specific abnormalities.
Blood Vessels
This examination includes the pulses in your wrists, neck, and the pulses in the groin. This is to ensure that your heart is pumping blood equally to all parts of your body.
Abdomen
Examining the stomach includes listening with a stethoscope for abnormal sounds (such as from your stomach or blood vessels), feeling your stomach for any tenderness or masses, and examining your liver and spleen for any enlargement.
Lymph Glands
In addition to the lymph glands in your neck, this exam includes the lymph glands near your collarbone, under your arms, and in your groin. Swelling of lymph glands is often a sign of infection, and—in rare cases—a sign of cancer.
Breasts
Breast cancer is rare in men but should not be ignored. Moreover, breast problems can signify problems with your liver or reproductive system. This quick exam includes feeling for masses, tenderness, and checking for discharge.
Nervous System
The neurological examination is usually quick because we are examining your nerves as we examine other parts of your body. This examination will usually check the reflexes in your knees, and sometimes in your elbows and wrists. This is to check for problems in your spinal cord, or certain neurological and thyroid problems that show up with abnormal reflexes.
Muscles
Especially during sports examinations, this examination will check to see if your spine is straight, if the muscles in your upper and lower body are symmetric and strong, and you may be asked to move your shoulders, legs, or to squat down to evaluate muscle strength.
Testicles and Hernias Examination
All of us recognize that this can be uncomfortable or embarrassing, but this is a quick and painless examination. Testicular cancer is the most common type of cancer in young men, and the rate of new cases in the USA has doubled in the past 40 years. You will be asked to pull down your underwear and/or move your examination gown to examine your penis, testicles, and groin. and it is also important to check for abnormalities of the urethra and foreskin (if present). Hernias can affect your ability to lift heavy objects, among other problems. Your healthcare provider will place a finger in the area just above each testicle and ask you to cough or squeeze down the muscles in your stomach to see if a hernia is present. (You are asked to turn your head to the side so that you do not cough in the examiner’s face).
Prostate
Prostate examinations are recommended only for certain men based on their age, symptoms, and medical history. Most men do not need to undergo this examination.
Skin
Part of the entire examination is to examine your skin for abnormal skin coloring, unusual moles, or any other signs of concern. We are always on the lookout for signs of skin cancer as well as other disease that might present with skin abnormalities.

Wrapping Up

After you have had the opportunity to get dressed, your healthcare provider will sit down and review his or her findings, recommendations for any tests, immunizations, or medications. We will also take the time to make any other recommendations about ways that you can stay healthy.

If laboratory tests, such as a blood test, are recommended, we will usually refer you to a nearby lab.

Above all, we invite you to address any questions or concerns you may have about your health.

Be sure to know the difference between a “well visit” and a “sick visit.” A routine checkup is for men who overall feel well, and who do not have lengthy or complex concerns about their health.

Medical Examinations for Work, School, and Sports, and Travel

You are never “just a number” with us: we will take the time to get to know you and make the most of your visit. We are happy to provide any medical examinations and complete paperwork required for your job, education, or sports participation.

Adult Primary Care

Ready for amazing healthcare?

Use our online scheduling or call us today to book your appointment, (863) 419-4422.

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