Entrance physical examinations are normally
performed at Military Entrance Processing Stations
(MEPS). Entrance physical examination results are
documented on the Report of Medical Examination
(SF-88) and Report of Medical History (SF-93). The
original completed physical examination forms are
permanently filed in the members health record.
Copies of the completed examination forms are filed
by the examining facility for a specified period of time.
(See MANMED for current physical examination
disposition requirements.) This policy applies to all of
the physical examinations service members may have
throughout their career.
The forms used for the
entrance physical (SF-88 and SF-93) are also used for
many of the routine and special duty physical
examinations that will be discussed in more detail later
in this chapter.
Periodic Physical Examination
The purpose of the periodic examination is to
determine physical qualification for retention on
active duty and to maintain current medical data
regarding physical qualification of personnel.
Retention standards are not the same as entrance
standards; the prime consideration for retention is the
ability to continue active service.
The periodic
physical examination evaluates the members current
state of health.
The examination also includes
documentation of chronic or unresolved medical
complaints from injuries or illnesses incurred during
military service or complaints or injuries that may have
existed before induction.
The periodic physical
examination is conducted at the intervals prescribed in
the MANMED.
If the examining medical officer determines a
defect exists that he cannot adequately evaluate, a
consultation or referral for further evaluation may be
initiated. If the defect is severe enough, the member
may be referred to a medical board. A medical board is
convened to evaluate and report on the diagnosis;
prognosis for return to full duty; plan for further
treatment, rehabilitation, or convalescence; estimate
the length of further disability; and provide medical
recommendations for disposition of the service
member being evaluated.
A member may be considered physically qualified
(PQ) despite the presence of certain medical
conditions. However, if it is clearly determined that
the condition interferes with the members capability
of functioning in the naval service effectively, the
member may be processed for an administrative or
medical discharge. Additional guidance is provided in
the Military Personnel Manual (MILPERSMAN) and
applicable Navy and Marine Corps directives.
Reenlistment Physical Examination
The purpose of the reenlistment physical
examination is to determine if service members are
physically qualified to be retained on active duty. A
complete medical examination is not required if there
is a valid examination (i.e., entrance, periodic, or
special duty physical) in the service members service
record.
The reenlistment physical consists of a
medical record review and documentation of medical
conditions that may need consideration or further
inquiry by healthcare providers. The service member
will also be interviewed by a healthcare provider.
Reenlistment criteria specified in the MANMED
should be followed during the health record review and
the interview of patient.
The results of the reenlistment physical
examination are recorded on form SF-600, Chronolo-
gical Record of Medical Care. The healthcare provider
will indicate on the SF-600 if the service member is
physically qualified for reenlistment.
After the
physical examination is completed, the SF-600 will be
filed in the members health record.
Separation Physical Examination
Before being released from active duty, members
receive a thorough physical examination.
If the
separation is the result of an evaluation by a medical
board, the medical board report serves as the document
for the physical examination.
Members who separate from the servicefor any
reason (i.e., retirement, end-of-enlistment, or
administrative discharge)are required to read the
following statement at the time of their physical
examination:
You are being examined because of your
separation from active duty. If you feel you
have a serious defect or condition that
interferes, or has interfered, with the
performance of your military duties, advise
the examiner. If you are considered by the
examiner to be not physically qualified for
separation, you will be referred for further
evaluation, and, if indicated, appearance
before a medical board. If, however, you are
found physically qualified for separation, any
defects will be recorded in item 74 of the
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