Your customized executive physical: The process
Your Penn Medicine Executive Health physical is designed to provide you with an optimal patient experience, as well as the most advanced diagnostic and preventive health care available today.
Learn more about each step of the process, including what to expect before, during, and after your visit.
Prior to your one-day physical assessment, a Penn Medicine physician will conduct a scheduled, pre-visit phone consultation with you and review your medical records.
The Penn Medicine internal medicine doctor will consider your entire health picture, including:
- Medical history
- Age
- Genetic predispositions
- Risk factors
The phone consultation will provide a forum for you to discuss any concerns about your health and allow the physician to determine if additional screenings may be required.
You will arrive at a Penn Medicine facility, where parking is free of charge for Executive Health patients.
Patients traveling from out of town can get assistance with accommodations and local transportation to the appointment, as needed.
An Executive Health representative will meet you when you arrive and escort you to a comfortable, private suite.
The Executive Health Suite includes wireless internet access and a computer for any patient who may need to conduct business in between their appointments. Depending on your schedule, breakfast, lunch, and healthy snacks will also be provided.
Your visit with the internal medicine specialist will include:
- A complete medical history, family history, and risk assessment
- Thorough physical examination
- Review of any necessary immunizations
If you need any vaccines, they can be administered during your appointment.
After your visit with the internal medicine specialist, you will have a fitness assessment with a trained, licensed physical therapist. You will also meet with a licensed dietitian for a nutrition consultation aimed at optimizing your diet for good health and reducing the risk of illness.
Testing and screenings will be customized to your needs, but might include the following:
- Complete blood count to evaluate for anemia and other hematologic disorders.
- Complete metabolic panel to assess for diabetes, kidney disorders and other metabolic problems. When appropriate, the test for hemoglobin A1C — the three-month marker of average blood sugar — is included.
- Cardiac risk profile, including lipid panel and advanced studies, to assess cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risk.
- Urinalysis to screen for urologic and kidney disorders.
- Thyroid testing for over- or under-active thyroid disorder.
- Prostate specific antigen (PSA) to screen for prostate cancer, if necessary, as decided between you and the physician.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG) to screen for cardiac disease, including coronary and electrophysiologic problems.
- Rapid CT scan of the heart for coronary calcium score, or exercise stress test when indicated.
- Audiometric testing to detect hearing problems.
- Vision testing and evaluation for ocular health.
- Chest X-ray for suspected cardiac or pulmonary issues.
- PAP smear and bimanual examination for cervical cancer screening.
- Bilateral digital mammography with tomosynthesis for breast cancer screening with follow-up diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound if indicated.
If indicated and decided upon in your pre-visit consultation, other tests and consultations can be arranged for the day of your visit or another date depending on the test requirements and your availability (additional tests will be billed through your insurance). These could include:
- Dermatology consultation to evaluate skin and specific dermatological conditions.
- Comprehensive ophthalmology evaluation to assess visual health and screen for eye conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma.
- Chest CT scan for lung cancer screening for patients at risk.
- Chest X-ray for suspected cardiac or pulmonary issues.
- Dexascan to screen for osteoporosis for patients at risk.
- Colonoscopy for colon and rectal cancer screening.
- Stress management consultation.
- Genetic testing with genetic counseling to assess inheritable diseases and family risk.
At the end of your comprehensive Executive Health physical, you will receive a personalized report including:
- Test results
- Exam findings
- Nutrition and fitness advice
- Physician recommendations
If follow-up care is recommended or requested, our Executive Health team can make those appointments with Penn Medicine specialists.
You will also have access to our Executive Health care coordinator for appointment scheduling and support within Penn Medicine for one year, along with access to a member-only phone line staffed by Penn Medicine registered nurses from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.