Pre-Employment & Annual Physical Exam (APE) in the Philippines: What to Expect

Almost every Filipino job seeker eventually has to complete a Pre-Employment Medical Examination (PEME) — and many companies also require an Annual Physical Exam (APE) for existing employees. Despite how common these exams are, most people walk in without knowing exactly what to expect, how much it costs, or how to prepare. Here's a complete breakdown.

What Is a Pre-Employment Medical Exam?

A PEME is a standard battery of tests and a physician consultation used by employers to confirm that a job applicant is medically fit for the role before formal hiring. It's required under Philippine labor practice for most companies, and is especially strict for certain industries — BPO/call centers, manufacturing, food service, healthcare, and overseas (OFW) deployment.

What's Typically Included

The exact panel varies by employer and industry, but a standard Philippine PEME/APE usually includes:

• Physical examination by a licensed physician (height, weight, BMI, vital signs, general physical assessment)
• Complete Blood Count (CBC) — checks for anemia, infection, and general blood health
• Urinalysis — checks kidney function and detects urinary tract issues
• Fecalysis (stool exam) — checks for parasites and GI health, common for food-handling roles
• Chest X-ray — screens for tuberculosis and other lung conditions
• Drug test — screening for prohibited substances, required by RA 9165 for many employers
• Hepatitis B screening (HBsAg) — especially common for healthcare, food service, and OFW applicants
• Pregnancy test — for female applicants, in certain industries (not permitted as a basis for disqualification under Philippine law)
• Visual and color vision test — especially for roles involving machinery, driving, or precision work
• ECG (electrocardiogram) — usually required for applicants above a certain age, or for physically demanding roles

OFW/overseas deployment exams (conducted at DOH-accredited clinics) typically add HIV testing, more extensive infectious disease screening, and a psychiatric evaluation, following destination-country requirements.

How Much Does It Cost?

Costs vary widely depending on the clinic, city, and how comprehensive the panel is:

• Basic local PEME/APE: ₱500–₱1,500
• Comprehensive PEME with ECG and additional labs: ₱1,500–₱3,500
• OFW/overseas deployment medical (DOH-accredited clinic): ₱3,500–₱7,000+, depending on destination country requirements

Many employers shoulder the cost directly or reimburse it once you're hired — always confirm with HR before paying out of pocket.

How to Prepare

• Fast for 8–10 hours if blood sugar or lipid panel is included — check with the clinic beforehand
• Bring a valid government ID and any referral or company requirement form
• Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before the exam — it can affect liver function tests
• Get adequate sleep the night before — this affects blood pressure and general vitals
• List current medications you're taking, as some can affect drug screening results or lab values
• Wear easily removable clothing for the physical exam and chest X-ray

What Happens If Something Is Flagged?

A flagged result doesn't automatically mean disqualification. Common findings like mild anemia, elevated cholesterol, or early-stage hypertension are frequently cleared with a physician's note, a treatment plan, or a short delay for re-testing. Under Philippine labor law, employers cannot discriminate based on HIV status, pregnancy, or disability alone — if you believe you were unfairly disqualified, you have the right to seek clarification or file a complaint with DOLE.

Where to Get a PEME or APE

You can complete a pre-employment or annual physical exam at:

• Hospital outpatient departments — most public and private hospitals offer PEME packages
• Standalone diagnostic and wellness clinics — often faster turnaround and lower cost
• DOH-accredited OFW medical clinics — required specifically for overseas deployment, results are uploaded to a centralized system recognized by destination countries
• Company-designated clinics — some larger employers have in-house or partner clinics for APE

Results are typically ready within 1–3 business days for standard panels, though X-ray and specialized tests may take longer.

Find a Clinic or Doctor for Your PEME/APE

Need a physician or clinic to complete your pre-employment or annual physical exam? Search MyDoktor.ph for internists and general practitioners near you, filtered by city — many accept walk-ins for standard physical exams.