10 Medical Exam Tips

Preparing for your Exam Proper preparation can save you time and money!

1. Schedule your exam when you're under the least amount of pressure. (mornings seem to be best) Make sure you're relieved of any tension, so try a short period of relaxation before the exam.
   
2. Plan on spending 30 minutes for a full exam. An additional 30 minutes if chest x-rays and EKG are included.
   
3. Do not use any tobacco products for at least 3 hours prior to your exam.
   
4. Avoid food intake 3 hours prior to your exam.
   
5. Avoid any caffeinated beverages for 24 hours prior to the exam. (e.g. coffee and soda pop)
   
6. Try to stay away from alcohol for at least 36 hours before your exam.
   
7. Plan your food intake for a week prior to your exam. You should avoid foods with large amounts of sugar and try to minimize the salt intake 3-4 days before the exam.
   
8. Be ready with a list of your doctors names, addresses, phone numbers, and your last visit.
   
9. Don't exercise 24 hours before the exam, this often causes abnormal lab readings.
   
10. Get a good night's sleep before the exam.