CHAPTER 11PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONSThe Department of Defense has establisheduniform physical standards for all members of themilitary service. Physical examinations are conductedto interpret each individual’s physical qualification forinitial entry, mobilization, retention, assignment tospecial duties, and training programs that lead toenlistment and commissioning. The purpose of theexamination is to identify physical defects andpsychological problems that would compromise amember’s ability to perform duties normally assigned.Physical standards are intended to preclude acceptanceof those individuals who present contagious orinfectious hazards to other personnel, would be unableto perform assigned duties, or who have conditionslikely to be aggravated by naval service.The purpose of this chapter is to review the varioustypes of physical examinations and their requirements,provide a general understanding of how physicalexamination forms and reports are completed, andcover some of the testing procedures and equipmentfor which you may be responsible. In your capacity asa Hospital Corpsman, you will function as both clericaland medical assistant to the medical examiner. To dot h i s p r o p e r l y, y o u s h o u l d b e f a m i l i a r w i t hadministrative regulations that apply to physicalexaminations. You should also ensure the patient’shealth record is correct and complete, all tests andlaboratory results are recorded, and the completedreport of medical examination and history are properlyfiled in the member’s health record.TYPES OF PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONSLEARNING OBJECTIVE: Differentiatebetween the types of physical examinations.Physical examinations, whether routine or specialduty, are mandatory for members at certain timesduring their military careers. The first of theseexaminations is the entrance (enlistment, appointment,or commissioning) physical examination, and the lastis the physical examination that occurs uponseparation from the service. In addition to these two,there may be several others, depending on the length ofthe member’s service or special duty requirements.Physical examinations of Marine Corps and Navypersonnel, active and reserve, are performed by Navymedical officers or other credentialed providers. If aNavy medical officer or credentialed provider is notavailable, the medical examination may be performedby a Department of Defense (DoD) physician orcredentialed civilian contracted physician. Dentalexaminations are normally performed by Navy dentalofficers. For further information on dentalexaminations for naval reserve personnel, refer to theManual of the Medical Department (MANMED),NAVMED P-117.Most physical examinations will require specialstudies (tests). Some of these special studies (whichwill be performed in advance of the physicalexamination by the medical examiner) may includelaboratory tests to detect syphilis (RPR), HIV, andcholesterol levels; optometric evaluation to determinevisual acuity; audiometric testing for hearingcapabilities; and dental examination to determinedental fitness. For more information on special studyrequirements for each type of physical examination,refer to the MANMED and directives that addressspecific physical examinations.ROUTINE PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONSEssentially, there are four types of routine physicalexaminations you should know about. They are theentrance, periodic, reenlistment, and separationphysicals. The MANMED provides specificinstructions on how and when each type of physical isto be conducted.Entrance (Enlistment, Appointment, andCommissioning) Physical ExaminationThe Department of Defense (DoD) establishes thestandards for entry into military service (DoDDirective 6130.3). Entry physical standards fortraining programs leading to officer appointment aremore stringent than the basic physical qualificationsfor enlistment or commissioning. This policy ensuresqualification of the member at the time of hisappointment.11-1
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