So you finally landed your dream job.
Your inbox dings with the offer letter. You’re already imagining your first day, your new desk and your favourite latte.
But then HR calls. “Just one thing! We need your pre-employment physical before you start.”
Cue the spiral: “What even is that? What if they find something? What if I don’t pass?”
Breathe. Dr. Asrar (our lead provider at Family Urgent Care) says that most people walk into our clinic feeling exactly like you do: unsure, stressed, and worried they’ll fail some mystery test.
Good news? A pre-employment physical isn’t designed to disqualify you. It’s there to make sure you’re fit and safe for the job. And with the right prep (and a little inside scoop from Dr. Asrar himself), it’s easy to ace it.
Let’s walk you through everything you need to know, from what to expect, how to prep, and how to breeze through it and start your job ASAP.
How To Prepare For Your Employment Physical? (Without Overthinking It!)
Let us say this: A pre-employment test is not scary! But if you walk in unprepared, it can make you feel nervous.
So, how do you show up ready without spiralling into overthinking mode?
We asked Dr. Asrar (our go-to expert for all physicals), and here’s what he suggests:
- Skip the coffee (just for now): Caffeine can temporarily raise your blood pressure. Not a dealbreaker, but why risk it?
- No alcohol the night before: It can throw off your vitals and liver numbers. So, we often recommend that our patients stop drinking the night before.
- Get a solid night’s sleep: Not just for your health but for your peace of mind.
- Wear comfy clothes: You’ll likely need to roll up sleeves or step on a scale so cozy clothes always wins.
- Eat smart: No need to fast (unless instructed), but avoid heavy meals that can mess with your vitals.
- Bring the essentials: Prescription list, ID, glasses, and medical history. Everything that tells your health story.
Bonus Tip: Don’t overthink it! It’s just a simple, routine check-up to make sure you’re fit for the job.
And now that you know the little preps you need to do, feel confident and don’t worry.
What Do They Check In The Pre-Employment Physical Exam?
Let’s break the mystery! This isn’t an obstacle course or a fitness test from a bootcamp reality show.
Your pre-employment physical is just a series of simple checks to make sure your health lines up with what the job needs. That’s it.
Here’s what our medical team typically assesses when you walk into our clinic:
- Vitals: Basic vitals like blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, weight, and height.
- Vision and hearing: Especially important if your job involves driving, machinery, or sharp focus.
- Medical History: This isn’t to disqualify you. It’s to understand how your health may interact with your work. If you’ve any chronic conditions or you’re taking any meds, feel free to tell us.
- Drug & Alcohol Screening: Not always required, but common in safety-sensitive roles like transportation or construction.
- Job-specific assessments: Some roles might need additional checks (like a lift test or lung function check), so we plan them according to your job’s demands.
It’s all pretty straightforward. And if anything feels confusing, our providers will walk you through it step by step.
If you need to get it done fast, just walk into our clinic in Indiana and Illinois. No appointment needed. We’ll take care of the rest.
Who Might Need A Pre-Employment Physical Exam?
Not every job requires a physical! But if your work involves risk, responsibility, or keeping others safe, you’ll likely need one.
Here are some roles where pre-employment physicals are often mandatory:
- Healthcare professionals (nurses, techs, caregivers)
- First responders (firefighters, EMTs, police)
- Commercial drivers (truckers, delivery folks, rideshare drivers)
- Construction and warehouse workers
- Military recruits and aviation crew
- Fitness trainers and coaches
- Jobs involving public safety or physical strain
If you’re not sure if your job needs one, just give us a call and we’ll walk you through what’s required based on your role.
What Should You Bring To Your Work Physical Exam?
Let’s save the “oh no, I forgot!” moments before you walk into a clinic for a pre-employment physical exam.
Here’s exactly what you should pack in your bag or have on hand before you head over to the clinic:
- Valid photo ID (like your driver’s license or state ID)
- Your job paperwork or physical exam form (some employers give the form)
- Prescription glasses or hearing aids
- Full medical history with a list of current medications, if you’re taking any.
- Insurance card
- Immunization records
BONUS TIP!
Take 10 minutes the night before to lay everything out. It would save your time and energy in the morning!
If you’re still confused what your employer wants, you can call us right away before heading to our clinic.
Does Insurance Cover Employment Physical Exams?
No, most insurance plans do not cover work physical exams. Why? It’s because these exams aren’t for diagnosing illness or treating a medical condition; they’re for employment clearance.
Therefore, you might have to pay out-of-pocket costs for this exam.
However, many urgent care centres provide budget-friendly rates for work physical exams, but you have to confirm with the clinic before going to your doctor.
And at Family Urgent Care, you won’t be hit with any surprise bills because we keep our pricing transparent. Also, we offer discounted rates for employment physical exams so you can get yourself checked within budget.
We’ll Help You Get Job-Ready Without The Stress
Starting a new job feels exciting but we know the checklist can feel overwhelming. Especially if a physical exam shows up the last minute!
No worries! That’s where we come in. We’ve helped hundreds of people just like you get their work physical done confidently and step into their new jobs!
Without any confusing paperwork or intimidating long wait times, our clinic welcomes you with a friendly team that helps every step of the way.
We’re here at four locations: Lincoln Park, Rogers Park, Logan Square in Illinois and Schererville in Indiana.
So, whenever you’re stressed about your physical exam before you start your job, you can walk into the clinic or even schedule an appointment with us.
