General practitioner examination

A general practitioner, also known as a family physician, plays a key role in diagnosing and addressing issues related to internal organs or organ systems. An examination by a general practitioner is an important step in detecting and resolving health problems in patients.

The general practitioner’s examination involves inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation to assess the patient’s overall health status. The physician examines the skin and visible mucous membranes, checks lymph nodes, blood vessels, and abdominal organs by gentle fingertip pressure. The physician also auscultates the heart and lungs. After these procedures, the physician measures blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and pulse, and based on the discussion and examination, decides together with the patient on further necessary tests or consultations.

Achieving the best diagnosis through general practice examinations

A general practitioner must possess broad knowledge of diseases commonly encountered in clinical practice, while also being able to recognize when consultation with specialized colleagues is necessary for particular areas.

Specific examinations are planned depending on the patient’s symptoms, with the goal of diagnosing and treating a particular condition. You should consult a general practitioner if you experience breathing difficulties, chest pain, sudden and unexplained headaches, fainting, shortness of breath, mental preoccupation, strong immune responses, prolonged fatigue, or digestive problems.

A competent general practitioner and clinician can identify and manage most common ailments, including circulatory disorders, pulmonary and bronchial diseases, endocrine disorders, cardiac conditions, kidney and urinary tract diseases, gastrointestinal issues (stomach, intestines), and prostate-related problems.

At our Polyclinic, the general practitioner also performs routine medical examinations tailored to the patient’s age, sex, and existing health conditions. The basic check-up includes a complete blood test, urinalysis, and a clinical examination with an ECG. Additional tests, such as ultrasound of the abdominal and urinary organs and prostate (in men), thyroid ultrasound, color Doppler of the heart and blood vessels, tumor markers, or hormone testing, are carried out according to the general practitioner’s recommendation based on the examination results or patient’s request.

What does a general practitioner’s examination look like?

A general practitioner’s examination combines consultation and clinical assessment to identify the cause of the patient’s symptoms. It usually begins with a general discussion about health status, medical history, and symptoms. This is followed by measuring blood pressure, temperature, body weight, and height, as well as laboratory tests of blood and urine, and an ECG of the heart.

How long does the examination last?

A general practitioner’s examination typically lasts between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on the complexity of the patient’s symptoms.

What happens after the examination?

A general practitioner’s examination is a key step in maintaining good health and is recommended both for individuals with medical conditions and those without. Regular examinations can assist in early diagnosis and prevention of many diseases, and after the examination, patients gain a clearer understanding of their overall health needs.