Annual Physical Examination (APE)
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What is an Annual Physical Examination or APE?
It is a comprehensive health check-up performed every year, usually as an employment requirement, to determine your current health conditions, screen for potential health issues like hypertension or diabetes, and establish medical clearance. It is one of the most common forms of preventive health care in the Philippines that enables doctors to catch any potential illnesses or medical conditions early, making treatments more likely to be effective.
Quick guide
Table Of Contents
What is included in an Annual Physical Exam?
In the Philippines, an Annual Physical Exam usually have different lab tests required for employees of different age groups. However, the following are the inclusions that apply for everyone and are conducted by a licensed doctor to establish a reference of how your health has been like.
Medical History Review
Your doctor will ask questions to assess your past record of illnesses, allergies, and family medical history. They will also inquire about your lifestyle such as your drinking or smoking activity, your exercise, and your diet. You will also be asked about any medicines you may be taking, currently.
Vital Signs Check
During this consultation, your vitals will also be taken such as your temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, height, and weight. Your BMI may also be calculated at this stage to quickly flag any related health issues with your weight-to-height ratio such as your risk of having heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure.
Physical Examination (PE)
This will include a thorough head-to-toe check by your doctor. They will check the appearance and function of your eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and throat as well as listen to your heart and lungs, check your reflexes, and more.
Basic 5 Medical Exam
These are the 5 most basic tests for health screening. This typically includes a Complete Blood Count (CBC), Urinalysis, Fecalysis, Chest X-Ray, and Physical Exam.
What are the recommended diagnostic lab and imaging tests?
Aside from having a physical examination, you will also be required to get diagnostic lab tests to screen for potential health issues that may affect your ability to work. Here are the most common inclusions:
- General Inclusions (For All Ages): Complete Blood Count (CBC), Urinalysis, Fecalysis, Chest X-ray
- For Employees 35+ years old (Female): Pap Smear, Mammography, ECG
- For Employees 35+ years old (Male): Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Test, ECG
- Other General Tests (Additional): Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), Lipid Profile (Cholesterol, Triglycerides)
- For High-Risk Employees (Smoker, With Family History): Liver Function Tests (LFT), Musculoskeletal Assessment, Cancer Screenings
What are the Corporate or DOLE requirements in the Philippines?
As with every country, the Philippines have labor laws set in place to protect employees and ensure their health and safety in the workplace.
- DOLE Mandate - according to the Omnibus Rules, Labor Code, Book IV, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) mandates that employers are required to provide annual medical examinations for their employees, as part of Occupational Health and Safety standards.
- Corporate Requirement - after receiving the Annual Physical Examination, employees are required to submit the medical clearance certificate, signed by their physician, as proof that they are fit to work and as an essential requirement for employment records. This document will be submitted along with copies of medical test results and doctor's findings. This document will also indicate if the employee has medical conditions that require management or treatment.
What are the APE packages that Unihealth Southwoods Hospital have?
Scan this QR code to see our Pre-Employment and Annual Physical Exam Packages and their prices.
Helpful Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my APE covered by my HMO?
In the Philippines, it usually is. However, it is best to check with your company HR or with your HMO provider.
Is the Annual Physical Exam (APE) mandatory in the Philippines?
Yes, it is a Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) requirement to maintain the health and safety of the employees.
What should I bring on the day of my APE?
Bring your Letter of Authorization (LOA) for your HMO, your healthcard, and your ID.
When can I get my APE results and medical clearance certificate?
Depending on whether you were required to add more tests, typical APE results are released within 3-7 days along with your medical clearance indicating whether you are “Fit To Work”. It may take longer if you had additional tests.
What happens if health issues are found during my APE?
The doctor’s findings will be indicated on your results and medical clearance, and you will be prescribed medicine or treatment depending on what condition was diagnosed.