Physical exams are a vital tool for employers, schools, and sports teams to evaluate the health and wellness of workers, kids, and athletes.
How long is a physical good for? Workplace and sports physicals are typically good for one year, however, there are exceptions.
In this blog, we explain what a physical involves, its purpose, how frequently these exams should be performed, how to prepare for them, and more.
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Regular physical exams are especially important in physically demanding work and sports environments.
Workers in industries such as construction, law enforcement, firefighting, and truck driving should undergo regular physicals to ensure they are fit for work and can complete job-related tasks without risk to health and safety and in compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. Certain industries, such as those regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), mandate employee physical exams as a condition of employment.
The purpose of a sports physical is to detect health problems and physical limitations that may interfere with an athlete’s participation in sports, such as past injuries, heart problems, allergies, strength, vision, and hearing issues.
Regular evaluations can also detect early signs of disease, drug and alcohol use, and more. In addition, physical exams provide a medical baseline that is used to track an individual’s health or injuries over time.
Physicals offer additional benefits, especially in the workplace. Physicals can decrease absenteeism, increase productivity and performance, and improve the overall health and well-being of employees, making for a happier workforce.
Physicals are intended to assess an individual’s ability to complete certain tasks.
A physical exam assesses the overall health of the individual and can include the following tests and screening.
An individual will also be asked about their personal and family health history, medications they take, drug and alcohol use, reproductive health concerns and other lifestyle questions. Various laboratory tests may also be ordered, including drug and alcohol screening.
An evaluator may also assess a person’s ability to handle stress and inquire about other behavioral factors or even conduct a full psychological evaluation.
Physical and stamina ability will also be tested if the job involves heavy lifting or labor.
A Department of Transportation (DOT) physical is a medical exam that screens commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers and employees to ensure the safety of the workforce and the public. Periodic DOT physicals keep the public safe by ensuring that drivers, train drivers, etc. can handle the physical demands and emotional stressors of their work.
DOT physicals are especially important in detecting chronic conditions that can impede an employee’s ability to perform work-related tasks, such as vision issues or drug and alcohol use. They also ensure employers are compliant with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules and minimize workplace absences due to injury.
In the case of truck drivers, a DOT physical is a requirement for obtaining a commercial driver’s license and is mandatory for drivers who will operate a vehicle that:
The exam is performed by a DOT-certified medical examiner.
A DOT physical is not mandated on an annual basis; its validity extends for a period of 24 months. However, a medical examiner may issue a certificate for less than 24 months if a health condition, such as high blood pressure, requires monitoring. If an employer were to request an annual physical from a driver without reasonable cause to suspect any health issues, they could potentially be in violation of employment laws.
Similar to FMCSA rules, the requirements for Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) physicals were established by the U.S. Department of Labor to ensure that employees work in a safe and healthful environment.
By setting and enforcing guidelines and providing training, outreach, education and assistance, employers are required to comply with all applicable standards. In addition, they must also comply with the General Duty Clause of the OSH Act, which requires employers to keep their workplace free of serious recognized hazards, and evaluate whether an individual is physically, mentally, and emotionally fit to work.
There are many types of physicals that individuals can undergo, including sports physicals, annual physicals, and pre-employment physicals. Let’s take a closer look:
Sports physicals: Sports physicals evaluate the health of athletes – both adults and children – before they can participate in sports (although they are not required for adults who take part in recreational team sports). Also known as pre-participation physical examinations (PPE), these physicals focus on key physical characteristics, such as blood pressure, heart health, muscle strength, flexibility, bone health, vision, and hearing. A sports physical is an important aid in clearing an individual for strenuous physical activity. Ideally, they should be performed before each sports season and following an injury. These physicals are also a great time for kids and adults to baseline their health, receive the appropriate vaccinations, and update their health information.
Annual physicals: A primary care provider typically performs an annual physical to assess overall health and detect chronic conditions. A provider will check blood pressure, weight, skin, reflexes, breathing, heart rate, and more. They may order a complete blood count; kidney, liver, and thyroid function tests; a lipid panel (cholesterol screening); and more.
Pre-employment physicals: A pre-employment physical exam is often required by employers before an offer is extended to a job applicant. These exams help ensure that a candidate has the physical ability to perform a job safely and without risk of injury. They may also screen for drug and alcohol use. Importantly, a pre-employment exam helps employers make informed, objective decisions about hiring based on an applicant’s physical and behavioral health. Employers can also monitor employee health over time to ensure they have the best-performing team.
During a physical exam, a medical examiner will evaluate an individual’s medical history, including physical, emotional, and mental conditions. Physical exams are often customized to the role, industry, employer requirements, and type of sport. A physical exam can include an assessment of the following:
During a physical exam, a medical provider will use several techniques to capture a person’s medical health. These include:
Vision and hearing tests may also be performed.
Occupations and sports that are physically demanding may require a more rigorous screening and involve an assessment of the following:
How long a physical is good for or how often you should get a physical, depends on factors like age, health conditions, sports specific requirements or work regulations as outlined in OSHA or DOT. For example, a DOT physical exam is valid for up to 24 months, so a CMV driver or other safety-sensitive employee must pass a DOT physical exam every two years. However, a medical examiner may determine that certain individuals – such as those with chronic medical conditions – are monitored and screened more frequently.
Sports physicals are typically performed once each year or following an injury.
There are state-specific requirements and guidelines for physical exams. For example, most states require that children complete a sports physical before they can participate in their chosen school sport.
Indeed, many parents have questions such as “How long is a sports physical good for in Illinois?” or “How long are sports physicals good for in Texas?”
In Illinois, a sports physical is good for 395 calendar days from the date the physical was performed. However, in Texas, a sports physical must be completed before the student athlete’s 7th, 9th, and 11th grade years – essentially every two years. Be sure to check the requirements in your state.
To prepare for a physical exam, individuals should gather as much information as they can, including:
Patients should also check whether they need to fast before a physical.
To prepare for a DOT physical, additional preparation is required. This may include avoiding alcohol and any drug (legal or prescription) that could interfere with blood test results for at least 24 hours prior to the exam. The patient should consult their medical provider or examination clinic staff prior to arrival for the exam.
After a physical, an individual may encounter several outcomes.
Often additional information or testing is required before a person is cleared for work or sports. Exams can also reveal health issues that need to be addressed as a condition of passing the test.
If an individual fails a physical exam, they are entitled to a second opinion. For example, if their blood pressure spikes during the examination, but is typically low, they can request a physical from another medical professional.
A physical examination will typically include an assessment of weight, blood pressure, temperature, and heart rate, as well as a check of your vision, hearing, lungs, nose, and throat. Physical can also include drug and alcohol testing.
The best way to prepare for a physical is to simply prepare. Having the right information at hand – including medical history, a list of medications, current vaccinations, and so on – can ensure a seamless process and avoid follow-ups. Some physicals involving blood work require patients to refrain from eating or drinking several hours before the exam (though water is typically fine). In the days before a physical, it’s important to avoid drugs and alcohol and get a good night’s sleep. Good practice is to ask what is required and how best to prepare for the physical from the clinic prior to arrival.
How often a person should get a physical depends on whether it’s an annual medical physical, a sports physical, or an employment physical.
In general, healthy people should book a physical with their primary care provider every two to three years in their 20s, every other year in their 30s, and annually thereafter.
A sports physical is typically required each sports season or after an injury. However, each state has different requirements for school sports participation. Some require a physical each school calendar year, others at two-year intervals.
Pre-employment and employment physicals are performed according to an employer’s requirements. However, OSHA, DOT, and other regulated professions, have specific required timelines for these exams.
Physicals are an essential part of occupational and sports health and safety. Regular examinations can prevent injury, maintain health, and in certain instances, ensure compliance with laws and regulations.
A proactive approach to physical exams can also minimize absenteeism, improve productivity, reduce accidents, and lower healthcare costs.
Acuity’s physical exam services keep employees and individuals safe, healthy, and productive. Available 24/7 wherever they are needed, our solutions are cost-effective, convenient, compliant, and tailored to each organization’s unique needs.
Learn more about how Acuity can help you meet your physical examination needs.
Provided by:
Anita Winkler, DO, MPH, MRO | Acuity International Chief Medical Officer
We provide innovative solutions for missions that matter around the globe. Our expertise includes occupational health services, humanitarian services, global health services, program & construction management, munitions response & demilitarization services, global security services, and base & critical facilities management. Our subject-matter experts are happy to share our perspective and insights with members of the press.