- Annual Physicals, Work Physicals and School Physicals
- Pre-op Clearance before Surgery
- STI testing and treatment options
- Medication reconciliation and refills
- EKG's
- Annual Wellness Exams for Seniors
- UTI testing and treatment
- Pap Smears
- Disability and Unemployment forms
- Allergy Testing
Physicals
At Coast and Aloe Medicine and Aesthetics, if you need a physical for any reason, we are here for you with our comprehensive exams for women, men, and children.
What are physicals?
Physicals are medical health assessments that you may need for a variety of reasons such as travel, work, school, or sports. They are important as they allow us to monitor your condition and wellbeing, but also identify any potential issues that may affect your health. Early detection allows us to begin treatment before the condition becomes more severe, giving a higher success rate of treatment.
For the most part, everyone undergoes the same physical exam. However, there are differences when it comes to reproductive health. During your physical, we may conduct additional tests or exams particular to your reproductive organs such as a pelvic or prostate exam.
What happens during a physical?
The exact procedure will depend on what type of physical you are having. During the exam, we will review your medical and family history for any potential risk of health complications. If there are any concerns, additional health screenings may be required.
This is a great time to let us know of any concerns or questions you may have regarding your health.
A physical examination typically begins with the measurement of vital signs and responses before undergoing a more comprehensive examination of your condition and health.
For more information on physicals and what type we offer, contact the office today at (424) 888-6298.
Pre-op Clearance before Surgery
If you have been told you are in need of surgery, you will need to schedule a pre-operative clearance appointment before you can schedule your surgery.
The purpose of this appointment is to ensure that you are in good enough health to undergo the procedure and to answer any questions you may have prior to the operation. At this time you will also be given pre and post-operative instructions and will be encouraged to make transportation arrangements for the day of surgery.
For more information about our services or to schedule your pre-operative clearance appointment, contact us today at (424) 888-6298.
Electrocardiogram (EKG)
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 600,000 people in the United States die from heart disease each year, making it the leading cause of death for both men and women. Noting this, medical professionals often suggest that their aging patients or at-risk patients take an electrocardiogram, or EKG, test to check for signs of heart disease.
EKG tests are non-invasive, painless, safe and fast, and they help our doctors check things like heart rhythm and blood flow as well as diagnose previous heart attacks or anything else that seems abnormal. In the best case scenario, the EKG test confirms good heart health. However, if we see something abnormal, we will likely send you for further testing to get an idea of how to best treat or manage the issue.
The standard EKG test consists of a doctor attaching 10 or more electrodes in the areas of your chest, arms, and legs – the key places where major arteries exist. You’ll then likely start by lying flat while a computer records your heart rhythm. Aside from this “resting” EKG, your doctor may also have you exercise to get an idea of how your heart works under activity. This typically consists of a doctor monitoring your heart as you jog on a treadmill. In most cases, the EKG test lasts less than 20 minutes and quickly helps give the doctor a better understanding of your heart health.
Eating right and getting plenty of exercises is crucial to maintaining good heart health, but EKG tests are an ideal way to either verify heart health or address small issues before they become big ones. It’s why they’re often a part of a physical exam for aging men and women. For more information on EKG tests, contact our medical center today.
Annual Wellness Exams for Seniors
At Coast and Aloe Medicine and Aesthetics we know that providing quality care and delivering the highest quality of service is very important. Along with providing as needed care, we also specialize in screening and prevention. Simply eating healthy and staying active, or going to the doctor when sick is not enough. Screening and prevention are key components in maintaining a healthy and dynamic lifestyle for patients of all ages.
There are many different types of screenings, such as an annual wellness visit or physical. Annual wellness screenings are important for detecting easy to correct problems, potential flare-ups, or larger issues that may become an issue in the future. These screenings are also important to help us monitor issues that are very relevant to overall health.
More comprehensive screenings may be needed depending on your age, gender, and overall health. These screenings may include but are not limited to:
- Colonoscopy
- Mammogram
- Prostate Examinations
- Female Annual Examinations
- Bone Density Tests
- Heart and Lung Examinations
These screenings are especially important if you have a family history of related illnesses or if you are predisposed in any way. Talk to your doctor and establish a screening schedule and plan for preventative care as early detection and prevention can save your life. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us today at (424) 888-6298.
Pap Smear
A Pap Smear is a test that is usually performed yearly after a woman turns 21 or becomes sexually active. The test is a simple, quick collection of cells. While a Pap Smear is not a diagnostic test for cervical cancer, it can detect any abnormalities which can then lead to further testing.
At the start of the exam, you will be asked to remove your clothing from the waist down. You will be given a medical gown and a half sheet to cover your lap. At the medical center office, there is an examination chair with stirrups at the end for your feet. You will position yourself in the chair, with your feet in the stirrups, so that you can be examined. An instrument, called a speculum, is lubricated and inserted into the vagina. This tool allows the doctor to have a clear path to the cervix. It is important to remember to relax and breath. This will relax the muscles of the vagina and allow for an easier examination by the medical professional.
After the speculum is inserted, a tiny, thin bristle brush is used to collect some tissue from the back of the cervix. Most women do not feel anything besides a light sensation when this is performed while some experience a feeling similar to menstrual cramps. From here, the medical professional places the sample in a small tube to be sent off to a laboratory for testing. The speculum is removed and the Pap Smear is over. A Pap Smear procedure only takes a few minutes to complete. After the Pap Smear is completed you can get dressed and conclude your medical examination.
Allergy Testing
If you suffer from wheezing and sinus issues, skin rashes, or other allergy symptoms, it’s time to get tested. At Coast and Aloe Medicine and Aesthetics, Adrienne Burrows, MD, offers allergy testing to help patients in Santa Monica, California, receive a diagnosis and effective treatment to get relief. If you reside in the West Los Angeles area, call the practice today or book using the online portal.