Physical Exam & Diagnosis

A physical exam is a medical examination that involves a healthcare provider examining the body of a patient for signs of disease, injury, or abnormalities. The exam typically includes measuring vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature, as well as examining the eyes, ears, nose, throat, heart, lungs, abdomen, extremities, and other parts of the body as needed.

A diagnosis, on the other hand, is the identification of a disease or condition based on the symptoms, medical history, and results of diagnostic tests. A diagnosis can be made by a physician or other healthcare provider, and may involve various tests such as blood tests, imaging studies, or biopsies.

Together, a physical exam and diagnosis help healthcare providers understand a patient's overall health and identify any medical conditions that require treatment or further evaluation.