A work physical is a medical assessment required by an employer to ensure a candidate or current employee can safely perform the duties of a specific job. These evaluations are often necessary before starting a new position or may be required periodically for roles with specific safety or regulatory oversight. The cost of a work physical is highly variable, ranging from an inexpensive fee to several hundred dollars. The final price depends almost entirely on the complexity of the tests requested and the specific medical facility performing the assessment.
Understanding the Price Range for Standard Physicals
A basic work physical, which typically includes a review of medical history, a general physical examination, and vital signs measurement, often falls within a predictable price range. For an individual paying without insurance, this standard screening generally costs between $50 and $200. This level of examination is usually sufficient for general office, retail, or other positions that do not involve hazardous materials or heavy physical labor.
Geographical location significantly influences the price of a standard assessment. Medical services in urban centers often cost more than those found in rural or suburban areas. The type of facility chosen also affects the cost, with walk-in urgent care clinics frequently offering more affordable pricing for basic physicals compared to specialized occupational health centers.
The prices quoted to an individual are often higher than what an employer ultimately pays. Employers who send a high volume of candidates to a specific occupational health provider frequently negotiate volume discounts, which lowers the per-exam cost significantly. The individual out-of-pocket price thus represents the maximum end of the spectrum for a routine, non-specialized work physical.
How Specialized Requirements Affect the Total Cost
The total cost of a work physical increases substantially when the job requires specialized testing beyond the standard health assessment. These additional requirements push the overall price well into the several hundred dollar range, sometimes reaching or exceeding $700. These more expensive exams are mandated for positions that involve specific physical demands or public safety responsibilities.
One of the most common specialized exams is the Department of Transportation (DOT) physical, required for commercial motor vehicle drivers. A DOT physical includes specific vision, hearing, and blood pressure checks, and typically costs between $85 and $154, though some facilities may charge up to $226. While the DOT physical itself does not include drug testing, employers almost always require a separate DOT drug screen, which is an additional fee.
Drug and alcohol screening is a major cost driver, with the price varying significantly based on the testing method requested. A standard urine drug test is relatively inexpensive, typically adding $30 to $85 to the total bill. However, if the employer requires a hair follicle test, which detects substance use over a longer, 90-day window, the price increases considerably. A hair follicle test can cost between $100 and $150, depending on the number of substances screened.
Physical demands testing also adds substantially to the cost, especially for high-risk occupations like firefighting or construction. These tests evaluate specific physical capabilities required for the job and can significantly increase the overall price of the physical.
Specialized Physical Demands Testing
For example, a Pulmonary Function Test (PFT), which measures lung capacity and airflow, is often required for workers exposed to respiratory hazards. An individual PFT can cost between $150 and $500 at an outpatient clinic, and up to $1,200 at a hospital. Evaluations that assess overall physical capacity, such as a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE), are even more expensive, often costing between $772 and $916. FCEs involve simulated work tasks like lifting, carrying, and climbing.
Navigating Payment Responsibility
The financial responsibility for a work physical generally rests with the employer, especially when the examination is a mandatory condition of employment or a periodic job requirement. This is often the case for pre-employment screenings, where the employer covers the cost directly. Employers are responsible for the expense because the physical ensures workplace safety and compliance.
However, the process may require the job applicant to pay the fee upfront and then submit a receipt for reimbursement. Applicants should clarify the reimbursement procedure with the employer before their appointment. If an employee needs a physical for a license renewal, such as a commercial driver’s license, the individual may be responsible for the cost.
Standard personal health insurance plans rarely cover the cost of occupational health exams. Insurance companies typically view these physicals as an employment-related requirement rather than a medically necessary treatment or preventative wellness visit. It is always advisable to confirm coverage details with both the employer and the insurance provider to avoid unexpected out-of-pocket costs.