Everyone has had to go to the doctor's office at some point in their life. Whether it is for a regular checkup, prescription refilling, or treatment for a certain medical issue, doctor's offices are vital aspects of everyone's life. Medical practitioners in these offices offer a wide range of services to meet their patients' needs.
These services include but are not limited to the following:
Routine Checkups
Most doctor's offices offer routine health checkups, including measuring height and weight, checking blood pressure, testing vision acuity with an eye chart, examining the throat, neck, head, and ears, and listening to heart and lungs with a stethoscope. On other occasions, they will feel the abdomen, assess blood sugar levels for people with diabetes, and test reflexes and muscle strength in the arms, legs, and back.
Patient History
Patient history is often referred to as a patient record. If you visit a doctor's office, the healthcare provider will ask questions about your medical history, family medical history, and current symptoms to diagnose an illness or condition. They will use the information provided to determine which course of treatment is right for you.
Physical Examination
Doctor's offices have doctors that are trained in carrying out physical examinations. These examinations involve checking vital signs based on the reported signs. The doctor may check your blood pressure, respiratory rate, temperature, and pulse rate.
A physical examination is important in identifying possible symptoms or medical signs for a specific condition. The doctor will then use their knowledge and experience to come up with a diagnosis and recommend the best way to treat it.
Diagnostic Testing
A doctor's office may have other specialists capable of conducting diagnostic testing, such as X-rays and MRIs. If the clinic cannot perform all forms of diagnostic testing, the doctor will refer you to health professionals who specialize in diagnostics in other healthcare facilities.
Blood Work
Every doctor's office has a lab where they can test blood samples if they need more information about their patients' general health. The lab technologist will perform different blood tests, including a complete blood count, basic metabolic panel, liver panel, lipid panel, and comprehensive metabolic panel. These tests are used to keep track of your overall well-being. Doctors analyze test results to ensure there isn't any infection, bacteria, or virus in your body.
The Bottom Line
A doctor's office is a place where people visit to receive medical help, guidance, and advice. Doctors in these offices offer a variety of services to patients, from routine checkups to more in-depth testing. Reach out to a local doctor's office to learn more.
