Medical screenings can provide useful information about your current health, identify possible concerns and help determine whether additional evaluation is needed.
Some screenings are recommended based on age or medical history. Others may be required for employment, school, athletics or participation in a specific program. Patients may also seek screening because they have been exposed to an illness, developed new symptoms or want a better understanding of a particular health risk.
The type of screening you need will determine where you should go. Primary care providers, specialists, laboratories and urgent care centers may each offer different testing services.
FastMed locations throughout North Carolina provide convenient care for many common health concerns and may offer select medical screenings and tests. Available services vary by location, so patients should confirm that the specific screening they need is offered before visiting.
What Is a Medical Screening?
A medical screening is an evaluation or test used to look for signs of a condition, health risk or possible illness.
Screening may be performed before symptoms appear, but it can also be used when a patient has known risk factors or has experienced a possible exposure.
Depending on the purpose of the visit, a screening may involve:
A medical history review
A physical examination
Vital sign measurements
A questionnaire
A blood or urine sample
A nasal or throat swab
Vision or hearing testing
Imaging
Review of vaccination records
Additional laboratory testing
Not every screening provides a definitive diagnosis. An abnormal result may mean that additional testing or follow-up care is needed.
Why Are Medical Screenings Important?
Medical screenings can help healthcare professionals identify concerns that may not be obvious during daily life.
Some conditions develop gradually and may not cause noticeable symptoms in their early stages. In other situations, screening may help determine whether someone has been exposed to an infectious illness or meets a requirement established by an employer, school or organization.
The potential benefits of medical screening include:
Identifying possible health risks
Detecting certain conditions earlier
Establishing a baseline for future comparison
Supporting employment or school requirements
Determining whether additional testing is needed
Helping patients make informed health decisions
Providing documentation for an organization
Guiding follow-up with a primary care provider or specialist
The right screening depends on the patient’s age, symptoms, medical history and reason for seeking care.
Common Types of Medical Screenings
Patients may need different screenings at different stages of life.
Blood Pressure Screening
A blood pressure screening measures the force of blood against the walls of the arteries.
High blood pressure may not cause noticeable symptoms, which is why regular measurement can be important. A single elevated reading does not always mean that a patient has hypertension.
Stress, pain, recent activity, caffeine and illness can affect blood pressure temporarily. A healthcare professional may recommend repeat measurements or follow-up with a primary care provider.
Blood Glucose Screening
A blood glucose test measures the amount of sugar in the blood.
Testing may be considered when a patient has symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained fatigue or blurred vision. It may also be recommended based on age, family history or other risk factors.
An abnormal result may require additional testing before a diagnosis can be made.
Cholesterol Screening
Cholesterol testing measures certain fats in the blood that may be associated with cardiovascular risk.
This screening is often part of preventive care and may require a blood sample. Some tests may require fasting, while others do not.
Patients should ask for preparation instructions before the visit.
Tuberculosis Screening
Tuberculosis screening may be required for:
Certain jobs
School programs
Healthcare workers
Childcare employees
People entering long-term care settings
Individuals with a known exposure
Immigration-related medical requirements
Screening may involve a skin test or blood test, depending on the patient’s needs and the services available.
Some tests require a return visit or additional evaluation.
Drug and Alcohol Screening
Drug and alcohol testing may be required by an employer, school, athletic organization or legal program.
The type of test and collection process depends on the organization’s requirements. Testing may involve a urine, blood, saliva or breath sample.
Patients should bring all forms supplied by the requesting organization.
Infectious Disease Screening
Urgent care centers may offer testing for certain infectious illnesses, depending on symptoms, exposure and available resources.
Examples may include testing for:
Influenza
COVID-19
Strep throat
Mononucleosis
Certain sexually transmitted infections
Other common infections
A healthcare professional may recommend testing after reviewing the patient’s symptoms and medical history.
Vision and Hearing Screening
Vision or hearing screenings may be included in certain physicals, school examinations or employment evaluations.
A screening can identify possible concerns, but it may not replace a comprehensive examination by an optometrist, ophthalmologist or audiologist.
Employment and Occupational Health Screenings
Employers may require medical screenings before or during employment.
These may include:
Drug testing
Respirator evaluations
Vision or hearing checks
Physical ability assessments
Tuberculosis testing
Vaccination review
General employment physicals
Department of Transportation examinations
The employer should provide clear instructions about the required testing.
School and Athletic Screenings
Students may need health screenings before enrolling in school or participating in sports.
Requirements may include:
Physical examination
Vision screening
Hearing screening
Vaccination review
Medical history documentation
Evaluation of previous injuries
Cardiovascular risk review
Parents should bring all school or athletic forms to the appointment.
Is a Screening the Same as a Diagnostic Test?
A screening test and a diagnostic test serve different purposes.
A screening is often used to look for a possible concern before a condition has been confirmed. A diagnostic test is used to investigate symptoms or follow up on an abnormal screening result.
For example, a general blood glucose screening may identify an elevated result. Additional laboratory testing may then be required to determine whether the patient has diabetes.
A screening result should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional who can explain whether follow-up is necessary.
When Should You Consider a Medical Screening?
You may need a medical screening when:
Your employer requires testing
You are enrolling in school or a training program
You are beginning a new sport or activity
You have been exposed to an infectious illness
You have risk factors for a particular condition
You need documentation for a program
A previous screening result was abnormal
You are experiencing new symptoms
A healthcare provider recommends follow-up testing
You are due for an age-related preventive screening
Urgent care may be appropriate for certain immediate screening needs, but comprehensive preventive screening is often best coordinated through a primary care provider.
Can You Walk In for a Medical Screening?
Many urgent care centers accept walk-in patients for common medical needs, but not every screening is available on demand.
Before visiting, ask:
Whether the specific screening is offered
Whether an appointment is required
Whether fasting or other preparation is needed
Whether a return visit will be necessary
Whether outside laboratory processing is involved
Whether the test is covered by insurance
What self-pay pricing is available
Whether forms are required
Some employer-requested tests must follow strict collection or documentation procedures. Patients should bring all paperwork and identification required by the requesting organization.
Medical Screenings in High Point, Lumberton and Other North Carolina Communities
Patients throughout North Carolina may search for a nearby medical screening center when they need convenient access to testing.
FastMed serves communities across the state, including areas near High Point, Lumberton, Raleigh and Lenoir County.
Patients may be looking for:
A medical screening center in High Point, North Carolina
Medical screenings in Lumberton, NC
A health checkup center in Raleigh, NC
An urgent care physical exam in Lenoir County, NC
A general medical checkup in Hickory or Raleigh
A screening required by an employer or school
The correct location depends on the type of screening requested.
A patient who needs a drug test for work may require a different service than someone seeking blood pressure, glucose or infectious disease testing. Confirming the exact requirement before visiting can help prevent delays.
What Should You Bring to a Screening Appointment?
Patients should bring:
A government-issued photo ID
An insurance card
Employer, school or program forms
A list of current medications
Information about allergies
Relevant medical records
Previous test results
Vaccination records, when applicable
Contact information for a primary care provider
Payment information
Written instructions from the requesting organization
Patients should avoid completing sections of a form that are reserved for the healthcare professional.
Do You Need to Prepare for a Medical Screening?
Preparation depends on the test.
You may be instructed to:
Fast for a certain period
Avoid specific foods or drinks
Drink water before providing a urine sample
Avoid strenuous exercise
Bring corrective lenses
Bring hearing aids
Avoid using certain products
Return at a specific time for test interpretation
Bring a current medication list
Do not stop taking prescription medication unless a healthcare professional specifically tells you to do so.
Contact the location before your visit if you are unsure how to prepare.
How Long Do Screening Results Take?
The timeline depends on the test.
Some results may be available during the visit. Others may take several days if the sample must be processed by an outside laboratory.
Factors that can affect turnaround time include:
The type of test
Laboratory processing
Whether confirmatory testing is needed
Weekends or holidays
The method used to communicate results
Requirements from an employer or organization
Ask the healthcare team when and how your results will be delivered.
What Happens If a Screening Result Is Abnormal?
An abnormal result does not always mean that a patient has a confirmed condition.
The healthcare professional may recommend:
Repeating the test
Scheduling additional laboratory work
Following up with a primary care provider
Seeing a specialist
Receiving treatment
Monitoring symptoms
Making temporary activity changes
Seeking urgent or emergency care
Patients should follow all instructions and avoid ignoring an abnormal result, even when they feel well.
Does Insurance Cover Medical Screenings?
Insurance coverage depends on the purpose of the screening and the patient’s health plan.
Preventive screenings may be covered differently from tests required for employment, school or legal purposes.
Before visiting, ask your insurance company:
Whether the screening is covered
Whether the location is in network
Whether a copay or deductible applies
Whether prior authorization is required
Whether laboratory fees are billed separately
Whether the test must be performed by a specific provider
Employment, sports and administrative screenings may be self-pay services.
Medical Screening or Annual Wellness Visit?
A medical screening may focus on one specific concern, such as blood pressure, glucose, tuberculosis or drug testing.
An annual wellness or preventive visit is generally broader and may include:
Review of medical history
Age-appropriate screening recommendations
Vaccination planning
Chronic disease risk assessment
Lifestyle counseling
Medication review
Long-term preventive care planning
Urgent care can provide certain screenings and examinations, but it does not replace a primary care provider for ongoing preventive care.
When Should You Go to the Emergency Room?
A screening center or urgent care clinic is not appropriate for a life-threatening emergency.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room for symptoms such as:
Severe chest pain
Major difficulty breathing
Signs of a stroke
Severe bleeding
Loss of consciousness
Major trauma
Sudden confusion
A severe allergic reaction
Seizures
Suicidal thoughts or immediate danger
Do not wait for a routine screening appointment when emergency symptoms are present.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Screenings
Can urgent care perform medical screenings?
Many urgent care centers offer select screenings, physicals and laboratory tests. Services vary by location.
Do I need an appointment?
Some screenings may be available on a walk-in basis, while others require scheduling. Confirm availability before visiting.
Can I receive results the same day?
Certain rapid tests may provide same-day results. Other samples must be sent to a laboratory and may take longer.
Can urgent care complete employer paperwork?
Urgent care centers may complete forms related to services they provide. Bring all required documents to your visit.
Can I get multiple screenings during one visit?
It may be possible, depending on the services requested and available resources. Confirm the requirements in advance.
What if I do not have insurance?
Many locations offer self-pay options. Ask about pricing before the visit.
Are medical screenings painful?
Many screenings are minimally invasive. Some may involve a blood draw, swab, injection or other brief discomfort.
Can children receive medical screenings at urgent care?
Some locations provide screenings for children and teenagers. Age limits and available services may vary.
Should I fast before a screening?
Only certain tests require fasting. Follow the instructions provided by the healthcare facility.
Find Medical Screening Services Near You
Medical screenings can help identify possible health concerns, meet organizational requirements and guide appropriate follow-up care.
Before visiting, determine exactly which screening you need, review any preparation instructions and gather the necessary documentation. Patients should also confirm whether the service is available and whether insurance or self-pay pricing applies.
FastMed has locations throughout North Carolina that provide convenient care for many common health needs. Visit FastMed online to find a nearby location, review available screening services and check in before your visit.