Entrance physical examinations are normallyperformed at Military Entrance Processing Stations(MEPS). Entrance physical examination results aredocumented on the Report of Medical Examination(SF-88) and Report of Medical History (SF-93). Theoriginal completed physical examination forms arepermanently filed in the member’s health record.Copies of the completed examination forms are filedby the examining facility for a specified period of time.(See MANMED for current physical examinationdisposition requirements.) This policy applies to all ofthe physical examinations service members may havethroughout their career. The forms used for theentrance physical (SF-88 and SF-93) are also used formany of the routine and special duty physicalexaminations that will be discussed in more detail laterin this chapter.Periodic Physical ExaminationThe purpose of the periodic examination is todetermine physical qualification for retention onactive duty and to maintain current medical dataregarding physical qualification of personnel.Retention standards are not the same as entrancestandards; the prime consideration for retention is theability to continue active service. The periodicphysical examination evaluates the member’s currentstate of health. The examination also includesdocumentation of chronic or unresolved medicalcomplaints from injuries or illnesses incurred duringmilitary service or complaints or injuries that may haveexisted before induction. The periodic physicalexamination is conducted at the intervals prescribed inthe MANMED.If the examining medical officer determines adefect exists that he cannot adequately evaluate, aconsultation or referral for further evaluation may beinitiated. If the defect is severe enough, the membermay be referred to a medical board. A medical board isconvened to evaluate and report on the diagnosis;prognosis for return to full duty; plan for furthertreatment, rehabilitation, or convalescence; estimatethe length of further disability; and provide medicalrecommendations for disposition of the servicemember being evaluated.A member may be considered physically qualified(PQ) despite the presence of certain medicalconditions. However, if it is clearly determined thatthe condition interferes with the member’s capabilityof functioning in the naval service effectively, themember may be processed for an administrative ormedical discharge. Additional guidance is provided inthe Military Personnel Manual (MILPERSMAN) andapplicable Navy and Marine Corps directives.Reenlistment Physical ExaminationThe purpose of the reenlistment physicalexamination is to determine if service members arephysically qualified to be retained on active duty. Acomplete medical examination is not required if thereis a valid examination (i.e., entrance, periodic, orspecial duty physical) in the service member’s servicerecord. The reenlistment physical consists of amedical record review and documentation of medicalconditions that may need consideration or furtherinquiry by healthcare providers. The service memberwill also be interviewed by a healthcare provider.Reenlistment criteria specified in the MANMEDshould be followed during the health record review andthe interview of patient.The results of the reenlistment physicalexamination are recorded on form SF-600, Chronolo-gical Record of Medical Care. The healthcare providerwill indicate on the SF-600 if the service member isphysically qualified for reenlistment. After thephysical examination is completed, the SF-600 will befiled in the member’s health record.Separation Physical ExaminationBefore being released from active duty, membersreceive a thorough physical examination. If theseparation is the result of an evaluation by a medicalboard, the medical board report serves as the documentfor the physical examination.Members who separate from the service—for anyreason (i.e., retirement, end-of-enlistment, oradministrative discharge)—are required to read thefollowing statement at the time of their physicalexamination:You are being examined because of yourseparation from active duty. If you feel youhave a serious defect or condition thatinterferes, or has interfered, with theperformance of your military duties, advisethe examiner. If you are considered by theexaminer to be not physically qualified forseparation, you will be referred for furtherevaluation, and, if indicated, appearancebefore a medical board. If, however, you arefound physically qualified for separation, anydefects will be recorded in item 74 of the11-2
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