A
physical examination,
medical examination, or
clinical examination (more popularly known as a
check-up) is the process by which a medical professional investigates the body of a
patient for
signs of
disease. It generally follows the taking of the
medical history — an account of the
symptoms as experienced by the patient. Together with the medical history, the physical examination aids in determining the correct
diagnosis and devising the treatment plan. This data then becomes part of the
medical record.