Written by Mike Price, OT
Selecting the right medical exam table is crucial for optimizing efficiency, ensuring safety, and enhancing patient satisfaction in any healthcare setting. Exam tables, essential across global healthcare systems, offer diverse styles and sizes to accommodate patients in various positions, such as sitting, supine, prone, and side-lying. By choosing an appropriate design, healthcare providers can improve examination support, facilitate procedures, and minimize injury risks for patients, practitioners, and staff.
Because they are used as your main interface with your patients, it’s crucial to understand what kinds of exam table features would benefit your unique patient base. While we cover these features more in-depth with our Caregiver University article on How to Choose the Best Treatment Table, here are some of the most important features to consider when you’re looking to procure the best medical exam table to meet your requirements.
If your medical practice serves obese bariatric patients, it’s imperative to select a medical exam table with a higher weight capacity. While many power exam tables come standard with a minimum 400-pound accommodation, some bariatric models can safely support up to 800 pounds and beyond. Also, consider the exam table's seat width. The wider the table, the more patients you can comfortably accommodate.
For medical practices and ambulatory care clinics that serve patients living with temporary or permanent mobility impairments, a power-adjustable hi-lo exam table is highly recommended to improve access and safety. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) advises a 17-19 inch table height for safe, accessible transfers to and from a wheelchair. Still, most fixed-height exam tables are about 30 to 32 inches high. Studies show that height-adjustable examination tables provide benefits to patients, reducing the difficulty of entry/exit and feelings of insecurity often inherent with higher fixed-height tables. The ADA also recommends a handle or support rail, providing a secure handhold during transfers and while the patient is on the table.
Ensure the medical exam table can fit by measuring the intended space and matching that to the table's dimensions. Smaller exam rooms would do well with an all-in-one consultation and examination design that converts from sitting to supine positions within one table. These types of tables typically offer a lot of storage space, helping keep supplies compactly organized. Some exam tables offer a pass-through configuration of the storage space, eliminating the need for left or right-hand designation of the table design.
Quality medical exam tables typically provide a wide selection of upholstery color options, ensuring every healthcare professional can find the right look for their medical practice. Usually constructed with strong, long-lasting vinyl, some upholstery options are thicker to withstand hard and heavy repetitive usage. In contrast, others offer a softer feel for more sensitive skin patients. Padding should be soft but firm so the patient can move more easily on the table’s surface.
Having a step on your exam table is an easily overlooked feature. A step allows your patients to place themselves on the table comfortably. A doctor's office can be a vulnerable place for some patients, so making them as comfortable as possible is a priority. If you choose a table that doesn't already have a step built-in, consider purchasing a step separately.
A manual exam table doesn’t offer any powered or motorized design elements, but it still offers adjustability via manual, human-powered operation or with the assistance of hydraulics and pneumatics. While most manual examination tables will not adjust in height, they typically include an adjustable backrest and often include storage space. They frequently utilize a pull-out step for easier, safer patient access to and from the exam table.
Power exam tables are the most commonly used types of examination tables, enabling height and positional changes with the touch of a button. Using electricity for hi-lo height adjustment of the table, a power exam table ensures easier, safer accessibility for patients in wheelchairs, along with patients living with temporary or permanent mobility impairments. Power exam tables also typically offer powered adjustability to change the angle of the backrest and other articulating sections, providing more positioning options and improved support over manual examination tables. In addition, they help to prevent repetitive strain injuries for the practitioner as the table can be raised to a higher height, ensuring ergonomic practitioner support and access.
Exam tables vary widely in size, with the powered box or cabinet types commonly designed a bit larger than manual examination tables. Although most fixed-height tables offer a standard height of around 30-32 inches, the ADA recommends a range of 17-19 inches in height for safe, accessible entry and exit for patients with mobility disabilities and those using assistive mobility devices, such as wheelchairs. Adjustable height hi-lo tables are recommended to support patients with these disabilities. There are also several compact medical exam tables designed as an all-in-one consultation and examination support system, converting the patient from a seated position to a supine position all within one table.
How much weight an exam table can safely accommodate depends on the model. Most medical exam tables can support a minimum of 200 pounds, with most quality power designs offering a maximum weight capacity of around 350-400 pounds. Bariatric exam tables are specially designed to hold a higher weight capacity, ranging from a 400-pound limit to 800 pounds or more.
The lightest exam tables usually weigh around 75 pounds, while the heaviest exam tables weigh upwards of 500 pounds. Most manual examination tables are more minimal in design, weighing around 200 to 250 pounds. Cabinet or box-style power exam tables have more components and are heavier, usually weighing the most of any kind of exam table.
A doctor’s table is called a medical exam table, a power exam table when it uses electricity, and a manual examination table when it’s non-powered. Utilized to support patients in seated, supine, prone, and side-lying positions, these tables come in a wide array of configurations and formats to suit different practitioner and medical practice needs.
 | Clinton Family Practice Exam Table with Step Stool View Product |
Full of convenient features that make it perfect for private practice or clinic, the Clinton Family Practice Exam Table with Step Stool takes 5th place in our review as the best medical exam table. For comfort, overall function, storage, and economy, nothing beats this innovative exam table by Clinton Industries. Accommodating a 400-pound weight capacity, this family practice table offers a fixed, standard 31-inch height, a generous 28.5-inch width, and a 58 to 72-inch length range to suit most patients. Its adjustable, air-spring pneumatic backrest adjusts from 4 to 68 degrees in angle, optimizing patient positioning and comfort.
The adjustable leg rest is easy to pull in and out on its durable steel track. Coated, adjustable stirrups offer two positions, sliding back inside the table when they’re not needed. Also integrated to store inside the table when it’s not in use, the welded-steel step stool is simple to slide in and out for stable and supportive access. Offering ample storage space with two drawers in the front of the table, the middle cabinet also offers pass-through access for both sides, eliminating the issues often inherent with left or right-sided exam tables.
Patient comfort is further enhanced with the 2-inch firm foam padding upholstered in premium vinyl in multiple color options. The table’s strong plywood and laminate panel construction is durable and easy to clean and maintain for years of dependable performance and functionality. It’s also completely color-customizable with numerous choices for the frame laminate, doors/drawers laminate, and handle pulls. Offering versatile functionality for patients of all ages, this family practice table is a great choice for most practitioners.
Highlighting ample storage, an adjustable pneumatic back, and a 5-degree pelvic tilt, the Brewer Access 5001 Exam Table takes the 4th slot in our review as one of the best non-powered exam tables. Durably designed to accommodate a bariatric 500-pound weight capacity, this fixed-height, 32-inch tall medical exam table from the Brewer Company offers a 28-inch width to provide generous space for larger patients. Its built-in, four-leg access step is the largest on the market, offering plenty of room and optimized stability for patients entering and exiting the exam table.
Like its powered counterpart, the Brewer Bariatric 6000, this medical exam table offers the largest storage capacity with two front drawers and two side drawers. The patented Pass-Through design eliminates any hassles associated with left or right configuration issues, as either side can access the drawers.
Optimizing patient comfort with its pelvic tilt and adjustable, extendable integrated stirrups, the exam table's pneumatic back is easy to adjust for perfect patient positioning. The exam table’s bolstered, multi-density support upholstery further enhances comfort for the patient and is available in a wide range of colors to suit your facility’s decor. Another standard highlight of this exam table is its 60-watt drawer heater to warm towels and instruments, ensuring a more pleasant experience for the patient.
 | Bailey Space Saver Medical Examination Table View Product |
Our number 3 choice, The Bailey Space Saver Medical Examination Table, is ideal for medical and therapy professionals requiring a compact yet versatile examination solution. Designed to optimize space in smaller offices, clinics, and home practices, this table features a fold-down extension that enhances patient comfort during exams by supporting various positioning needs. Its aesthetic appeal is heightened by a natural wood finish and customizable upholstery colors, allowing it to blend seamlessly into any practice environment while avoiding a clinical, cold look. This examination table saves valuable space and maintains a professional demeanor, making it perfect for a wide range of medical settings.
 | Clinton ETA Alpha Series Treatment Table with Drawers View Product |
Boasting the lowest price point of any medical exam table in our review, the Clinton ETA Alpha Series Treatment Table with Drawers comes in second with its durable, comfortable design. Constructed with a heavy-duty all-steel frame that’s been powder-coated for optimal protection, this fixed-height exam table is 31 inches high and 72 inches long, with either a 27 or 30-inch width, the widest in our review! Its 450-pound weight capacity ensures stability and safety for bariatric patients.
The exam table’s easy-to-assemble design highlights a simplistic bolt-through set-up for dependable performance. Adjustable leg levelers on the end of each leg ensure stability on uneven flooring. Compact and minimalistic, this exam table by Clinton Industries still offers plenty of storage space with an open laminate shelf and two plastic drawers. It also includes a paper dispenser. The back conveniently adjusts in angle to facilitate improved practitioner access, patient positioning, and comfort.
The seamless, rounded corner tabletop enhances safety for both the practitioner and the patient, utilizing 2-inch firm foam padding to maximize patient comfort. Covered in heavyweight, knit-backed upholstery for long-lasting comfort, protection, and functionality, practitioners can choose from diverse color options to blend beautifully with exam room decor.
 | Clinton Family Practice Exam Table View Product |
The Clinton Family Practice Exam Table by Clinton Industries is a top choice for healthcare facilities, offering unparalleled versatility and functionality for patients of all ages. With its robust design, extendable features, and a substantial 400 lb weight capacity, this table ensures supportive comfort for a diverse patient demographic. The low table height enhances accessibility, allowing patients easy entry without needing a step stool. At the same time, the extensive storage solutions and adjustable components streamline the care process, making it highly efficient for practitioners and patients. Ideal for busy family practices, this table merges durability, patient comfort, and practical design to meet the demanding needs of a dynamic healthcare environment.
Choosing the right medical exam table for your healthcare practice is one of the most important purchasing decisions you can make as a doctor. Supporting an array of diagnostic procedures, clinical indications, and diverse patient populations, quality exam table manufacturers generally base their designs on the diagnostic needs and convenience of medical professionals. These demands drive the principles of operation, design, and configuration of medical exam tables, ensuring this equipment meets every healthcare practice's unique requirements.
While all of the exam tables in our review would qualify as the best choice for a given practitioner based on specific needs, we awarded the number one spot to The Clinton Family Practice Exam Table by Clinton Industries. Its superior design expertly balances functionality, patient comfort, and accessibility. This table stands out due to its comprehensive features including adjustable components, extensive storage options, and robust construction, tailored for dynamic clinical environments. Its ability to comfortably accommodate a wide range of patients without requiring them to use a step stool for access makes it particularly commendable. These attributes collectively highlight why the Clinton Family Practice Exam Table is the top choice in today's healthcare market.
Our comprehensive medical exam and treatment table catalog provides more information about our tables. We also invite you to browse our vast selection of institutional, healthcare, and clinical products and equipment and our educational Caregiver University resource.
Co-Founder of Rehabmart and an Occupational Therapist since 1993. Mike has spent his professional career working in multiple areas of Occupational Therapy, including pediatrics, geriatrics, hand therapy, ergonomics and inpatient / outpatient rehabilitation. Mike enjoys writing articles that help people solve complex therapeutic problems and make better product choices.
