A work physical, often called an occupational or pre-employment physical, is a medical assessment required by an employer to ensure a prospective or current employee can safely perform the physical demands of a job. These exams establish a baseline health record and verify compliance with workplace safety standards. The cost associated with a work physical is highly inconsistent, depending on the specific tests mandated and the location where the examination is performed. This variability means that a simple clearance may cost significantly less than an exam required for a highly regulated industry.
Typical Price Range and Variability
The price for a standard work physical can start as low as around $50 for a basic fit-for-duty clearance and range up to $250 or more for a more comprehensive exam. A basic physical for an office job, which mainly involves a medical history review and vital sign check, tends to be at the lower end of the spectrum.
The location of the exam plays a large part in the final cost, with prices generally higher in major metropolitan areas compared to rural regions. For a highly regulated exam, such as a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical, the average cost typically falls between $50 and $150, but can reach $200 or more in some states. The entire range for complex pre-employment physicals, including all necessary testing, is often between $100 and $700, underscoring the extreme variability in the market.
Specific Components That Influence Cost
The total expense of a work physical increases significantly when specific regulatory or job-related tests are added to the general physical examination. Drug screening is one of the most common add-ons, and its cost depends on the number of substances being tested for. A basic 5-panel urine drug test, which screens for substances like cocaine, opioids, and amphetamines, may cost between $30 and $80.
A more extensive 10-panel drug test, which includes additional prescription medications, typically costs slightly more, ranging from $50 to $110. Specialized physicals required by government agencies, like the DOT physical for commercial drivers, are inherently more expensive because they necessitate a certified medical examiner and include vision, hearing, and specific physical assessments. These regulatory exams establish whether a driver meets the minimum physical standards to operate a commercial motor vehicle safely.
Other job-specific screenings also drive up the price, particularly those required for safety-sensitive roles. A respirator fit test, mandated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for employees using tight-fitting respirators, can cost between $45 for a qualitative test and up to $80 for a quantitative test. Similarly, audiometric testing, which evaluates hearing thresholds for workers exposed to high noise levels, often adds to the overall expense.
Provider Setting and Billing Structures
The type of facility where the work physical is conducted directly impacts the billable rate due to differing overhead and billing models. Dedicated occupational health clinics frequently offer the most cost-effective and streamlined option, often working on volume contracts with employers. These clinics specialize in employment-related exams, making them highly efficient at processing the necessary tests.
Urgent care centers are a common and convenient choice, typically providing fixed rates for basic physicals, which helps with cost transparency. However, urgent care facilities may charge higher facility fees compared to specialized occupational clinics. Primary care physicians or hospital systems are often the most expensive option for employment physicals due to higher overhead costs and standard medical billing practices.
Financial Responsibility for the Physical Examination
In most cases, when a work physical is required as a condition of employment, the employer is responsible for covering the cost of the examination. Employers also bear the financial burden for periodic physicals required for current employees, regardless of whether the exam is mandated by the company or by federal regulations.
Health insurance plans rarely cover the cost of a pre-employment physical because it is not considered treatment for a medical condition or a preventative health measure. An exception is when the examination reveals a specific medical condition that requires treatment, in which case the diagnostic portion may be covered. If a job applicant is asked to pay for an exam, this is typically only permitted if the physical is required by law and not simply by the employer, though this varies by state and is not common practice.