Geri Duty: Let's Get Physical

There is much to be learned from merely being a good observer (gait speed, posture, eye contact, speech cadence) but so much more to discover during a thorough physical examination of an older person. The comprehensive annual physical exam (PE) became a routine part of medical care beginning in the 1940s; thus, many older individuals are surprised to learn that major expert panels such as the ACP, AMA and USPSTF have abandoned the recommendation, placing focus instead on age, gender, risk factors and symptoms elicited during history and review of systems for targeted screening protocols. The USPSTF currently endorses only the measurement of vision, blood pressure, height and weight for everyone as part of the PE. To complicate matters, the advent of electronic health records placed another barrier, a computer screen, between clinicians and patients – further reducing the amount of time spent in close inspection and physical examination of the individual seeking care. This program seeks to refresh the learners’ knowledge and stimulate interest in performing this vital and enlightening procedure, a thorough and focused PE. Whether part of the Welcome to Medicare evaluation or in the course of a routine office visit, the PE provides an opportunity to develop rapport, trust and potentially to discover clinically significant findings that might otherwise have gone unrecognized. A series of brief scenarios will be used to illustrate important yet basic concepts such as differentiation between normal age-related findings versus indicators of worrisome disease processes, and atypical presentation of disease. Now, Let’s Get Physical! 

Learning Objectives 

1. Refresh interest in performing a thorough history and physical exam (PE) 
2. Recognize common physical findings unique to an older person 
3. Identify normal age-related findings and distinguish them from potentially serious abnormalities 
4. Differentiate between the “Welcome to Medicare” visit and the “Annual Wellness” visit 
5. Discuss features of the exam that can impact quality of life and prognosis for an older individual 

Disclosures: None Reported 

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). The Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons of California (OPSC) is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) to provide osteopathic continuing medical education for physicians. 

Grievance Policy: OPSC strives to provide continuing medical education programs to fulfill the needs of the attendees and to meet the AOA Uniform Guidelines and AOA Accreditation Requirements. Comments, questions, or complaints should be forwarded to OPSC, by calling the OPSC Office at 916-822-5246 or by email to opsc@opsc.org.