How long has Physicals Plus been in business and please explain the “Plus” in the business name?

Physicals Plus has been in business since October 2014, almost five years. “Plus” refers to other services provided besides physicals, such as drug and alcohol testing, TB skin tests, respiratory mask fit testing, spirometry and gives the business flexibility to add other services.

​Your website features a photo of a commercial truck. Why did you make that choice?

The main idea was to market to the trucking industry and develop a business with a specific focus.

What differentiates you from similar operations?

As a small business and solo practitioner, I have the flexibility to schedule outside of regular business hours if a client needs it. Also, I can spend much more time during the physical exam versus a busy urgent care or typical medical office. wait times are almost non-existent because the patient load is manageable by one practitioner. Also, when scheduling, I allow plenty of time between patients.

Does the majority of your business come from individuals or do you contract with other businesses to screen their employees?

The majority of business initially was through contracted businesses but as word of mouth spread, the amount of individual business has increased to where it is today with a fairly equal split between the two. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration put into regulation May 2015 that only Certified Medical Examiners can perform the DOT physicals. To become a CME you must take an accredited course and test before you can apply to be on the National Registry of CME. 

Why would an individual come to you for a physical or other service rather than going to a doctor’s office?

Many physicians’ offices focus on physicals covered by insurance such as annuals with labs. Students will come in for their sport or camp physicals because of similar issues with insurance or they have waited until the last minute to get their physicals and the pediatrician is booked for several weeks.

What insurance do you accept?

Physicals Plus does not participate with any insurance carriers primarily because these types of physicals are not covered by insurance. Employers will often pay for employees’ drug tests and physicals as a condition of employment. Sport and camp physicals are also not typically covered by insurance.

You have a background as a family nurse practitioner. Where did you work before and why did you make the decision to start Physicals Plus?

My background is in Family Practice but I started out in Pulmonary Critical Care for many years, then transitioned to primary/family practice. I started my own business because I wanted to practice on my own terms, spend as much time with patients as I wanted or they needed with no one pushing me to see more patients. I wanted to work the hours I wanted and take vacation when it was convenient for me and my family. So, I wanted to be my own boss.

Is Physicals Plus a one-woman operation? If so, how do you manage the workload? If not, who else do you employ?

Physicals Plus is a one-woman operation which I can manage well on my own.  When I do special testing for large groups, I contract nurse practitioners or medical assistants to help out. My son and husband have also helped with both the clinical and business sides of the practice. They are trained in respiratory fit testing and drug testing. 

What’s your favorite part of the job?

My favorite part of the job is being able to sit and talk with my driver/patients and go into greater depth about their health/diet/exercise and anything else they want to talk about.

Do you need an appointment? What are your hours? And what areas do you serve?

Regular hours of operation are Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Anything else about the business that our members might want to know?

Physicals Plus is still growing and we truly appreciate referrals from the community.

Contact info: Zita Buky physicalsplus@gmail.com 703-220-6006 ​http://www.physicalsplus.com/