Pre-Employment PhysicalCorona, CA
Some job positions with essential physical requirements may be contingent upon passing a pre-employment physical. This may also be known as a pre-placement test. A pre-employment physical is designed to determine whether or not a patient can execute job-specific responsibilities regularly.
Pre-employment physicals are available at Medicross Clinic and Urgent Care in Corona and the surrounding area. Our goal is to provide you with quick, quality medical care to ensure your safety. Call Dr. George Chidi, MD, and our team, today at 951-272-5900 to learn more about our services and schedule an appointment.
Understanding Pre-Employment Physicals
Many times, job positions that call for physically demanding work may require prospective employees to undergo a pre-employment physical. Employers can only subject individuals to these exams if the employment offer is contingent only upon the individual, proving that they are physically capable of executing essential job duties. The medical examiner carrying out such an exam will only report information directly relevant to the patient's job duties.
Pre-employment physicals can be beneficial to both employers and employees. They protect employers against work-related lawsuits while also ensuring that employees will not hurt themselves on the job. A pre-employment physical may also shed light on any underlying health issues that had gone unknown by the patient.
What Happens During a Pre-Employment Physical
Generalizing what happens during a pre-employment physical can be difficult, as much of the procedure depends on what the employer wants to test the patient for. It is standard, however, for employees to complete a questionnaire regarding their personal, occupational, and medication history before the physical begins. In general, the typical physical exam will consist of the healthcare provider checking the patient's history, vital signs, and general appearance. The provider may also conduct a heart exam, lung exam, head and neck exam, abdominal exam, neurological exam, dermatological exam, and extremities exam.
Pre-Employment Mental and Psychological Exams
Most patients are not surprised to learn that pre-employment physical exams assess for physical ability, strength, stamina, endurance, and heart health. However, some employers also require their employees to be tested for psychological health and mental endurance under physical strain. In such cases, the medical examiner will have to speak to the employer to establish selection criteria and the employer's level of acceptable risk.
Usually, positions that test for this are ones that involve public safety. Specifically, they may include jobs where employees have arrest authority or the legal authority to detain and confine individuals. Individuals who undergo a pre-employment mental and psychological exam must prove that they do not have any mental or emotional conditions that would interfere with them carrying out their job duties both safely and effectively.
DOT Physical
The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) requires all of its employees to undergo DOT medical exams and commercial motor vehicle certification. The DOT physical exam can only be conducted by a licensed medical examiner, as listed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) National Registry. These include, but are not limited to, doctors of medicine (MD), doctors of osteopathy (DO), physician assistants (PA), advanced practice nurses (APN), and doctors of chiropractic (DC).
The results of each physical are valid for up to 24 months. In certain cases where the patient has a condition that must be monitored. However, a medical examiner may issue a certificate for less than 24 months. Furthermore, if the medical examiner finds the patient physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV), they will provide the patient with a copy of the results and a completed Medical Examiner's Certificate.
Learn More Today
Do not delay completing your pre-employment physical. Our qualified team at Medicross Clinic and Urgent Care will take the necessary steps to make the process quick and easy. Call us today at 951-272-5900 to learn more about our services and schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I have to pay for my own pre-employment physical?
No. California legislature states that prospective employees cannot be required to pay for "any pre-employment medical or physical examination taken as a condition of employment." Ask your prospective employer about compensation for your pre-employment physical.
Do some pre-employment physicals include drug or alcohol tests?
Yes. This depends on your employer and the position they are screening you for. Typically, these jobs are ones where public safety may be at stake. These include airline pilots, commercial truck drivers, interstate bus drivers, and more. These jobs may involve regular drug or alcohol testing after hire, and they may have licenses or certifications regulated by federal and state agencies.
Will my medical information show up in an employee background check?
The answer varies on a case-by-case basis. Most consumer reporting agencies that perform background checks cannot include medical information without your consent. Furthermore, they can only include your medical information if it is relevant to the job your prospective employer is offering. However, employers may still be able to find your medical history if it is public knowledge (i.e., through social media, news stories, et cetera).
I am disabled. Will I be asked about my disabilities as part of my pre-employment physical?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits employers who oversee workplaces with more than 15 employees from asking about a prospective employee's disabilities or has any past or present medical conditions. You may still need to undergo a pre-employment physical for certain positions. However, if an employer turns you down for a job as a result of your pre-employment exam, they must be able to prove that it is physically impossible for you to do the work required. Additionally, they are legally obligated to make reasonable accommodations as needed.
Will I need to continue getting employment physicals after being hired?
This depends on your employer. It is perfectly legal to have regular physical exams as part of employment, as long as these physicals are consistent and directly related to your job duties. All of the medical information sent to your employer must be kept confidential and stored away from any other employee records.
Contact Us
Medicross Clinic and Urgent Care is located at
487 Magnolia Avenue, Suite 102, Corona Village Center,
Corona, CA 92879
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