A SCUBA physical is a medical exam that evaluates your overall fitness for diving. We will check your cardiovascular and respiratory health, as well as your ear and sinus health, to ensure you can tolerate the pressure of diving and other physical challenges associated with the sport.
When you dive, you place your body under unique physiological stresses, including fluctuating ambient pressure and increased physical exertion. A physical exam can help identify any health problems that may predispose you to:
In general, most certifying agencies suggest that you should have a fresh physical exam before your first dive and then at one-year intervals, as well as any time you have changes to your medical history. If you're an active diver, you should have a routine physical every one to two years to ensure you remain fit for diving.
While there is no law requiring SCUBA physicals, most diving agencies require all students to fill out a medical history questionnaire before starting a course. If you have any of the conditions listed on the form, you will not be allowed to participate in the course unless you have been cleared by a doctor.
If you have any medical conditions and are going to take a SCUBA certification course, you will need to have a physical exam. In addition, if you are an experienced diver who has developed a new medical condition, had surgery, or been ill, you should be checked before resuming diving activities.
Certain conditions pose serious risks while diving, such as:
The primary concern is any condition that could cause you to lose consciousness while diving, impair your breathing, or trap air in a body cavity.
Many divers have pre-existing medical conditions and dive successfully. If you have well-managed asthma, diabetes, or minor heart disease, you can still dive safely if your doctor clears you. In some cases, you may face certain restrictions on your diving activities to accommodate your condition.
You can get a junior diving certification at the age of 10, and there is no upper age limit on SCUBA diving. As your healthcare provider, we assess fitness to dive and may not clear you if there is a risk of injury underwater.
The nurse practitioner will review your medical history and perform a physical exam, including checking your heart, lungs, ears, and neurological status. If indicated, you may also need spirometry (to assess your lung function) and/or an electrocardiogram (to evaluate your heart rhythm).
The typical SCUBA physical at TBH Medical will take about 30-45 minutes. This gives us the time we need to fully assess your health without feeling rushed, and to thoroughly evaluate any medical conditions that may impact your safety while diving.
You will need to bring the specific medical evaluation form required by your certifying agency (such as the WRSTC medical statement). You should also bring any records of recent surgeries, specialty evaluations, or current medications to help us determine your fitness for diving clearance.
No, a formal cardiac stress test is not typically a part of a routine SCUBA physical unless you have risk factors for heart disease. We will assess your current level of physical fitness as part of the exam, and if we suspect cardiac disease, we may require you to undergo a formal stress test prior to clearance.
By having your SCUBA physical performed by a direct primary care provider, you will receive the time and individualized attention you need without the constraints sometimes imposed by the insurance model of care. We will have the time to thoroughly review your medical history and perform a meaningful physical exam that addresses the unique demands of diving.
At TBH Medical, we offer a patient-centered model of care delivered by an experienced nurse practitioner. We do not utilize an insurance-based model, so you have direct access to your health care provider. We offer transparent and convenient care with flexible scheduling to accommodate your needs.
Yes, we are familiar with the unique physiological demands of SCUBA diving and the potential risks involved. Our practice is very qualified to evaluate the routine medical guidelines established by the various certifying agencies for safe participation in underwater activities.
Our nurse practitioner is an expert in routine primary care and clearance evaluations. However, in the rare instance that your condition requires the specialized expertise of a certified dive medicine or hyperbaric medicine specialist, we will refer you to such a provider for evaluation. We will perform all routine clearance evaluations, and if your condition warrants further evaluation, we will assist you in obtaining the necessary care.
For non-members, we will discuss our routine, transparent flat-fee pricing for SCUBA physical exams when you call for an appointment.
Is the SCUBA physical covered under my TBH Medical direct primary care monthly membership? Yes, routine SCUBA physicals are covered under your monthly direct primary care membership. Members can have this exam as part of their preventive care benefits at no additional charge.
No, TBH Medical is a direct primary care practice and does not bill health insurance for any of our services, including the SCUBA physical. By not billing health insurance, we keep our costs lower, more transparent, and focused solely on our members' direct needs.
If an ECG or labs are needed to complete the physical exam, they may be available at competitive prices. We aim to discuss fees with you before performing any additional tests, when possible.
If it is determined that you have a condition that precludes you from diving, we will discuss with you exactly why you are not cleared to dive. As your healthcare provider, it is our responsibility to ensure you are safe to dive, and we will not clear you if there is a risk of injury to you underwater.
Yes, if there is a condition that precludes you from diving, it can be treated; we will develop a treatment plan to help you manage it. Our goal is to help you get healthy so you can pursue your diving activities.
Absolutely. Once your condition is under management or resolved, you can schedule another exam with us. If the condition that precluded you from diving is no longer an issue when under pressure, we will clear you to dive.
Yes, we are happy to provide primary care and consulting to ensure you remain healthy for diving. Whether you need help with ear equalization or staying fit between dive trips, we are here to help.
Yes, in addition to clearance exams, we can help you evaluate your fitness to dive after an illness or injury. In the event of a serious dive injury, we can provide initial care and coordinate with a hyperbaric facility if needed.
Yes, we provide travel medicine consultations, including recommendations for travel vaccinations and prescriptions for malaria prophylaxis and traveler's diarrhea. We want to make sure you are prepared for the medical risks associated with your international diving trip.
Yes, as part of our direct primary care services, we will work with you to provide a personalized wellness and fitness program to ensure your cardiovascular health and endurance. This is one of the most important aspects of diving fitness.