Sports & Camp Physical Examinations

Springtime marks the start of youth sports and summer camp registrations, both of which require children to receive physical examinations. What might seem like an unimportant formality can actually be an opportunity to look for problems that could affect summer camp or sports participation.

What to Expect
During a physical exam, the doctor reviews the child’s personal medical and family history. Based on this information, he or she can provide guidance that will help minimize, delay or avoid the onset of future health problems.

When you meet with the doctor, make sure you:

• report previous hospitalizations or surgeries;
• provide a list of current medications, including dosage; and
• take a copy of your child’s current immunization record.

If your child has chronic medical problems, you should also take information with you regarding his or her diagnoses. This includes a list of current medications and recommendations from specialists regarding limitations or special requirements pertaining to sports or physical activities. For children with multiple or complex health problems, the physical should be performed by their primary care physician or regular doctor.

In addition to a general review of health history, the doctor may also perform:

• Vision and hearing screenings. Tests performed in the doctor’s office can detect potential problems. If appropriate, the doctor may recommend additional testing and corrective measures.
• Labwork/bloodwork. Blood may be drawn to check iron levels in the blood, and a urine specimen also may be taken to detect possible abnormalities.

Although it is rare to come across findings that prevent participation in school or sports activities, the school or sports physical examination is an opportunity for you and your doctor to make sure that the health and development of your child are on the right track.

The Convenience of Patient First
Did you know that Patient First’s board-certified physicians can perform the physical exam required for sports and summer camps?

Every medical center is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., 365 days a year. We see patients on a walk-in, no appointment basis, so you can see one of our doctors when it suits your schedule--after school, after work or even on the weekend! If you ask us to do so, we will send a copy of the medical record for this exam to your child’s primary care physician.

Be sure to bring with you the appropriate physical forms issued by the school/sports organization or camp. These can often be found on the organization’s website.

Because these physicals are often not covered by insurance, check with your insurance provider to find out if your policy covers sports and camp physicals.

School physicals should be performed by your child’s primary care physician. If Patient First is your PCP, or if you do not have one, call your local Patient First medical center in advance to ensure you have all of the required forms and materials.

For a Patient First location near you, visit www.patientfirst.com.