Sports physicals can be part of a well-child visit
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A well-child visit with a pediatric or family medicine provider is one of the best ways to keep your child healthy. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children age 5 and older get one every year.
If your child is involved in scholastic or club sports, they are required to have a pre-participation exam, sometimes called a sports physical, before they can practice and play their sport or activity. The Wyoming High School Activities Association requires a sports physical dated May 1 or later for the upcoming school year.
According to the AAP, the best way to ensure that your child can play safely is to incorporate a sports physical with their annual well-child visit. The doctor or advance practice provider does a head-to-toe examination, including:
- a check of pulse
- blood pressure
- heart rate
- respiration (breathing)
- and body temperature.
They will use a stethoscope to listen to your child’s heart and lungs, test their reflexes, examine extremities and the throat and tonsils. There is also a detailed questionnaire to complete or update about the child’s and family’s medical history. On the practical side, most well-child exams are 100% covered by insurance, and these exams count as your child’s sports physical.
Of course, we know that life happens, and you may need to have a sports physical for your child without much advance preparation. You can always call and see if your clinic can accommodate a same-day request. Campbell County Medical Group Pediatrics, Family Medicine, Wright Clinic and the Kid Clinic have same-day appointments available, and the Walk-in Clinic is open seven days a week.
If you don’t have wellness coverage, or need just a sports physical, all the CCMG clinics can take care of your child for a cash fee of only $30. If your child is seen by someone other than his or her regular pediatrician, such as a provider at the Walk-in-Clinic, make sure you provide accurate and complete information for the screening; and share information about the visit with your regular provider.
