Combine your child’s sports physical with their annual checkup

If your child plays sports, you’re most likely familiar with the requirement of a pre-participation exam, or sports physical.

But why are these exams needed, and can you combine them with your child’s annual wellness visit?

Why does my child need a sports physical?

The purpose of a sports physical is to ensure kids are healthy and fit to play sports to the best of their ability, and to identify anything that could become a bigger issue later on. For example, undetected heart or joint issues can worsen under significant exertion.

What could prevent a student athlete from participating in sports?

Your child’s doctor or other health care provider will review anything that stands out on their vitals, as well as joint issues, heart murmurs and vision issues. For example, a vision screening might indicate a child needs glasses or contacts to catch a ball or do other things safely.

If your child has had prior concussions, your provider may recommend they participate in a sport with no head-to-head physical contact.

If a medical issue is found, further evaluation and follow-up is likely necessary, such as a referral to a specialist.

Combining a sports physical with a well-child visit

A sports physical is not a substitute for a full annual wellness exam, so it’s recommended to combine the two.

“In a well-child visit, we not only assess if they are ready and able to participate in sports, but we also check their vaccines, discuss important topics like sex, drugs and school, and screen for anxiety and depression,” says Sarah d’Hulst, MD, medical director of primary care at MultiCare Rockwood Clinic.

When kids are generally healthy, parents tend not to take them to the doctor if they aren’t sick. Preventive care, however, is essential for the overall health of your child.

“We want to talk about the whole health of the child and ensure they are on a path to success physically, academically and in terms of their mental health,” she adds. “Because even if a child is physically healthy and ready to participate in sports, they need to be academically on track to qualify to play.”

What are additional benefits of a combined visit?

The visit can also take care of other items that need to be completed before school starts, including required immunizations and any forms that need to be submitted.

This includes forms for kids with health conditions like asthma, so they can take their inhaler to school, or those with allergies who need an epinephrine form or severe allergy form.

All these pieces can be done in one visit.

What should you bring to your child’s appointment?

It’s helpful to bring a list of any medications your child is currently taking, their immunization records and any required school forms that need to be filled out and signed by your child’s provider.

How much does a sports physical cost?

Cost and insurance coverage varies. Please contact your health insurance carrier for the most accurate information.

Where can you take your child for a sports physical or combined visit?

Sports physicals can be performed by pediatricians, family providers or at walk-in urgent care clinics. As mentioned, sports physicals can also be combined with an annual well-child visit at MultiCare Family Medicine clinics or through Mary Bridge Children’s primary care network.

“Don’t wait until the form is due,” advises Dr. d’Hulst. “If your child hasn’t had a wellness exam in the last year, it’s time to get one, and we’ll take care of the sports physical, too.”

In addition, if your child has had a well-child visit within the last two years, please check with your child’s pediatrician or family medicine provider, as they may be able to sign the sports physical form without having to schedule a separate exam.