“Exam table” is a single phrase covering half a dozen genuinely different machines — from a $220 fixed-height box table to a $15,000 programmable power procedure table. They differ in how they move, how much they carry, who they're built for, and what they cost. This guide explains each type in plain language, tells you when each is the right call (and when it isn't), and points to real models of every type. When you're ready to weigh specs and price, our companion medical exam table buyer's guide walks the full decision.
All exam table types at a glance
| Type | Adjustment | Typical capacity | Price band | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manual (box) exam table | Fixed height; manual/pneumatic back; step | ~400–500 lb | ~$220–$1,200 | General & family practice, ambulatory patients |
| Power high-low exam table | Motorized height + power back | ~400–500 lb | ~$4,000–$8,000 | Accessibility, mobility-limited patients, ergonomics |
| Power procedure table | Powered back, seat, foot, tilt; foot control | ~450–500 lb | ~$8,000–$16,000 | GYN, dermatology, minor procedures |
| Bariatric exam table | Manual or power; wider, reinforced | ~500–650+ lb | ~$1,900–$12,000 | Larger patients; broad adult populations |
| Pediatric exam table | Scaled; sometimes warmer/pediatric top | Scaled | ~$2,700–$6,000 | Infants and children |
| Treatment / PT table | Flat top; manual or hi-low; drop sections | Varies | ~$800–$6,800 | Physical therapy, rehab, hands-on treatment |
Manual (box) exam tables
The classic exam-room table: a fixed-height cabinet base with a seamless top, a manually or pneumatically adjustable backrest, storage drawers, a pull-out patient step, and a paper-roll holder. There are no motors, which keeps the price low and reliability high. Patients who can climb onto a ~32”-high table with a step do fine here, and for a multi-room practice these tables let you outfit rooms affordably.
Real models: the value-priced Alpine adjustable exam table with paper dispenser, the clinic-workhorse Champion 8550, and the configurable, 500 lb-capacity Brewer Versa that bridges into bariatric-capable territory.
Power (high-low) exam tables
A power high-low table motorizes seat height, typically lowering into the ADA transfer range of about 17–19” so a patient — including a wheelchair user — can transfer onto it safely, then rise to a comfortable working height for the clinician. The back section is usually powered too. These tables are the answer to two problems at once: patient accessibility and staff back-safety (no more lifting or awkward bending).
Real model: the Brewer FLEX High-Low with motorized height and pneumatic back.
Power procedure tables
Procedure tables take powered articulation further: independently powered back, seat, foot, and tilt sections, controlled by a foot pedal or hand pendant so the clinician's hands stay free and sterile. They accept stirrups and positioning accessories and hold the patient precisely for GYN exams, dermatologic work, and minor in-office procedures. Programmable versions store preset positions to speed room turnover.
Real model: the Brewer Assist power procedure table — 450 lb capacity, 19” ADA-compliant low height, and foot control.
Bariatric exam tables
Bariatric tables are engineered for higher weight capacity and a wider, more supportive surface — typically 500–650 lb or more versus ~400–500 lb on a standard table — with a reinforced frame. Many bariatric-oriented tables are power high-low so heavier or mobility-limited patients can transfer at a low height and staff avoid lifting. If you serve a broad adult population, a high-capacity platform such as the 500 lb Brewer Versa provides real headroom without a fully specialized build.
Pediatric exam tables
Pediatric tables are scaled and detailed for infants and small children — smaller dimensions, secure positioning, and often child-friendly finishes to ease anxiety. Some pediatric setups add a warming feature or a dedicated pediatric top. In mixed practices, a pediatric top can sometimes be added to a compatible platform rather than buying a separate table.
Real model: the UMF pediatric exam table, and the pediatric-top configuration of the Brewer Versa.
Treatment & physical-therapy tables
Treatment tables (including PT tables) prioritize a flat, supportive top for hands-on therapy, mobilization, and modalities rather than a seated exam. They come as fixed-height manual tables, adjustable-back H-brace designs, and motorized hi-low tables that raise and lower for therapist ergonomics and patient access. Drop sections and adjustable heads add versatility for specific techniques.
Real models: the Brewer Element treatment table and UMF's H-brace treatment tables in the Exam & Treatment Tables collection.
Specialty & imaging tables (briefly)
Beyond the six mainstream types, a few specialized tables appear in specific settings. Imaging and C-arm tables use radiolucent tops and cantilevered bases so X-ray or fluoroscopy equipment can pass beneath and around the patient. Tilt tables pivot the whole surface toward vertical for orthostatic testing and progressive weight-bearing in rehab. These are purpose-specific purchases — if your work needs one you'll know it — but for general and specialty outpatient care, the six types above cover nearly every room.
Accessories & options (they apply across types)
Two tables of the same type can serve very differently depending on how they're outfitted. The options that most affect day-to-day use are:
- Storage: drawers and a base cabinet keep supplies within reach; a pass-through drawer is accessible from both sides, and a warming drawer holds blankets or instruments at temperature.
- Upholstery: seamless, sealed, disinfectant-compatible covering (often with an antimicrobial treatment) cleans faster between patients; premium platforms offer a wide range of colors to match room design.
- Positioning: stirrups and pelvic tilt for GYN work, adjustable headrests, and drop sections for therapy techniques.
- Access & safety: pull-out steps on manual tables, patient-assist handles, and side rails for support during transfers.
- Room integration: exam-light brackets, paper-roll holders, and a 120V receptacle for accessories on higher-end tables.
Match the option list to your specialty rather than buying every add-on — storage and upholstery choices usually deliver the most everyday value.
How to decide between them
Work top-down: start with the exam or procedure you perform, then let accessibility and capacity narrow the field, and use price to choose within the right type — never the other way around.
- General seated exams, ambulatory patients, tight budget → manual box table.
- Accessibility, heavier or mobility-limited patients, staff ergonomics → power high-low (bariatric-rated if needed).
- GYN, derm, minor procedures → power procedure table.
- Infants and children → pediatric table or pediatric top.
- Hands-on therapy and rehab → treatment / PT table.
For the full spec-by-spec framework — weight capacity, ADA height, upholstery and infection control, storage, room fit, and warranty — see How to Choose a Medical Exam Table.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a manual and a power exam table?
A manual table is fixed-height with a manually or pneumatically adjustable back; it's affordable and reliable but requires patients to climb up with a step. A power table motorizes height (and usually the back), lowering to the ADA transfer range for accessibility and raising for clinician comfort.
What is the difference between an exam table and a procedure table?
An exam table supports routine seated exams. A procedure table adds independently powered back, seat, foot, and tilt sections with foot/hand controls and stirrup compatibility, so clinicians can position patients precisely and hands-free for GYN, dermatologic, and minor procedures.
What is a bariatric exam table?
A bariatric exam table is built with a reinforced frame, wider surface, and higher weight capacity — typically 500–650 lb or more — to safely accommodate larger patients. Many are power high-low so patients can transfer at a low height.
What makes a pediatric exam table different?
Pediatric tables are scaled and detailed for infants and children, with smaller dimensions, secure positioning, and often child-friendly finishes. Some add a warming feature or use a dedicated pediatric top.
What is a treatment table used for?
Treatment and physical-therapy tables provide a flat, supportive surface for hands-on therapy, mobilization, and rehab rather than seated exams. They come in fixed-height, adjustable-back, and motorized hi-low versions.
See every table type in one place
Browse manual, power high-low, power procedure, bariatric, pediatric, and treatment tables from Brewer, UMF, Champion, and Alpine in our Exam & Treatment Tables collection. Not sure which type fits your specialty? Start with the buyer's guide or ask our team.
Capacity and price ranges are general and vary by manufacturer and configuration. This article is equipment-selection guidance, not clinical advice.
