Physical examination

During a physical examination, a health care provider studies your body to determine if you do or do not have a physical problem.

A physical examination usually includes:

• Inspection (looking at the body)
• Palpation (feeling the body with fingers or hands)
• Auscultation (listening to sounds)
• Percussion (producing sounds, usually by tapping on specific areas of the body)

References
Simel DL. Approach to the patient: history and physical examination.In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman’s Cecil Medicine . 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 6.

Update Date: 1/21/2013
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director and Director of Didactic Curriculum, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington. Also reviewed by A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc., Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, David R. Eltz, Stephanie Slon, and Nissi Wang.

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• Auscultation
• Inspection
• Palpation
• Percussion