The Comprehensive Physical Examination

The examination begins with a complete history and physical examination where each patient can expect to spend 1 ½ to 2 hours with their physician.  On the first day’s visit the examination includes flexible sigmoidoscopy, vision and hearing tests, tonometry (test for glaucoma), spirometry (pulmonary function), electrocardiogram (at rest and following exercise), and a chest x-ray.

Also on the first day, the Clinic’s laboratory staff will collect samples for a complete battery of studies, including CBC with platelet count and WBC differential, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and urinalysis.  The Clinic’s laboratory will also perform a panel of blood chemistries which includes fasting and post-prandial blood glucose, cholesterol (total and subfractions), triglycerides, uric acid, calcium, and tests of kidney and liver function.

Tests for female patients include a pelvic exam, Pap smear, and regular xeromammography, on the most sophisticated available equipment and according to American Cancer Society guidelines.

Specialized tests, if desired or indicated, are performed on the second day of the patient’s visit.  The Greenbrier Clinic offers comprehensive ancillary services for diagnostic testing as needed.  The radiologist and nine technologists can provide virtually any type of diagnostic x-ray.  There is also a very sophisticated ultrasound division within the radiology department.

Through the nursing department the Greenbrier Clinic offers, in addition to many standard nursing procedures, bone densitometry for the early diagnosis of osteoporosis, as well as a very sophisticated noninvasive cardiology division supervised by the Clinic’s certified cardiologist.  The noninvasive laboratory offers cardiac and vascular imaging, stress testing, pulmonary function studies, laryngoscopy, and other procedures.

The Clinic’s fully accredited laboratory conducts a nearly unlimited number of test procedures on modern, highly accurate instrumentation.  The laboratory also saves valuable time for physicians and patients: 98 percent of all procedures ordered are performed on the premises, and 95 percent are reported on the day they are ordered. 

Every visit to the Greenbrier Clinic includes a final, and very important, meeting with the primary physician.  At this meeting the physician discusses the patient’s diagnostic evaluation in person, and in detail.  All tests and evaluations are explained, and the patient is encouraged to ask questions about any aspect of the diagnosis.  The physician also recommends ways in which the patient can participate in a personalized preventive health care program. 

“When patients leave the Greenbrier Clinic, their knowledge about their health and their awareness of how to prevent disease is vastly improved,” according to the medical director of the Clinic.

Finally, a written copy of the diagnostic report is sent to the patient, and to the personal or corporate physician if requested or required.

Diagnostic tests for patients at the Greenbrier Clinic are scheduled so that ample time is available to enjoy the gracious surroundings of The Greenbrier.  Although each individual’s medical needs ultimately determine the amount of time spent in the Clinic, emphasis is placed on maximizing visitor’s free time.

The Greenbrier Clinic’s administrative offices will assist with the patient’s insurance billing, and will, if requested, make reservations in The Greenbrier Resort facilities.

Contact us for more information on our thorough examination and diagnostic practices.