Each year students return to school and in preparation for the new school year, many kids will need to get a school physical. Some students who participate in sports will also need to get a sports physical before being cleared for play. Although you can get a school physical through your primary care physician, you can also get one by looking online for urgent care near me.
You can make an appointment, however, walk-ins are also welcome for complete school physicals. We understand that you may be wary of going to urgent care, but our medical staff is here to answer any of your questions.
School Physical Benefits
There are many benefits to getting a school physical. For children and teens who are in good health, this can be the only time that they need to visit a doctor. The doctor will conduct a physical examination, check for risk factors, ensure the child is in good health and that all vaccinations are up to date.
You should also discuss sleep patterns, nutrition, and physical activity with your child’s doctor during this appointment. They will also ask about other milestones in their emotional and social development. These appointments can cover a lot of ground for your child and are critical for their growth.
What About Sports Physicals?
Sports physicals differ slightly from a school physical because they are meant to test their physical ability. After all, they will be out on the field or court exerting themselves and doctors must ensure it is safe to do so. Sports physicals are meant to detect if a child has any predispositions to any medical conditions. School and sports physicals will also check the following:
- Height and weight
- Pulse
- Blood pressure
- Range of motion
- Vision
- Physical health exam
- Joint, neck, and back exam
Prior medical records will be considered such as asthma, allergies, and other health conditions. It is important to be honest with medical staff about your child’s condition.
What You Should Bring
There are a few things you will need to bring to an appointment when you find an urgent care near me online. You will need to bring the following:
- Insurance card (if applicable)
- Immunization records
- Camp, school, or sports physical form
- Payment (if uninsured)
Having these items on hand will make the appointment go smoother and faster than if you do not. Documentation is the most important item to bring.
What to Expect
The first step is to find an urgent care near me. Upon arrival, you will need to fill out the information about your child’s medical history and will then be taken to an examination room. Visits typically last 30 minutes but can go longer depending on the circumstances.
Visit UrgentMED for a School Physical
If you need a school or sports physical for your child, you should look for an UrgentMED location near you. All UrgentMED locations are open 365 days a year with no appointment necessary.