Sports physical
Sports physicals help to ensure an athlete can safely play in their chosen sport as required by the state, school or sports organization. Even when they’re not mandatory, sports physical exams help to keep vaccinations up-to-date and provide a chance to discuss any concerns.
Find care
Both in-person and virtual visits may be available when you schedule your visit.
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Insurance and pricing
Most insurance accepted. Check your coverage or estimate the cost of your visit if you’re uninsured or prefer to pay out-of-pocket.
Have questions about sports physicals? Get started here.
What is a sports physical?
Also called pre-participation physical examinations (PPE), sports physicals are usually a part of registering youths for participation in a sport. Organizers generally require an evaluation for the athlete to participate. Regulations vary according to the rules of the respective state, school or a sport's governing body.
A PPE helps to assure that the athlete is healthy and physically ready for their chosen activity, such as baseball, football, soccer or track. Before registering, check with the organizers about their eligibility requirements. The purpose of the PPE is to help minimize the risk of injury.
A sports physical exam is not intended to replace a comprehensive annual wellness exam and other screenings.
Getting help
MinuteClinic providers are qualified to perform sports physicals for kids and adults. Our providers can review you and your child’s medical history, conduct an exam and recommend additional tests and diagnosis, as clinically appropriate. Following the session, the MinuteClinic provider will fill in the required medical forms.
1. Prior to scheduling your appointment, you may have to answer a few questions to help us prepare for your visit.
2. Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment.
If you made your appointment online:
Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.
If you made your appointment in the clinic:
Sign in at the electronic kiosk.
3. When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
4. Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.
5. At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, a receipt and educational material. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.
Sports physical examination and results
*MinuteClinic uses a standardized physical form created by leaders in pediatric and sports medicine.
Other information to collect before your visit:
- Primary care's name and contact information
- Medical history, including allergies and immunizations
- For patients with a history of a heart ailment or cardiac event, a statement from your primary care provider or treating physician. This statement must confirm that the provider has evaluated the condition and that it does not prevent participation.
Specific requirements can vary according to the particular sport's organizers or governing body. Your sports physical examination may include:
- Check of blood pressure, oxygen saturation, heart rate and rhythm
- Details regarding dietary supplements, medications or prescriptions for your child
- Evaluation of flexibility, joints, posture and strength
- General physical exam to check the ears, nose, throat, heart, lungs and abdomen
- Height and weight measurement
- Review of the athlete and the family's medical history
- Vision check
A MinuteClinic provider can help give clearance based on guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics. A MinuteClinic provider will review the athlete's COVID-19 test results and ask questions about the infection. They will also conduct a physical exam.
They can provide a letter stating that the athlete can return to their activity, or they can fill out a form specific to your school or program, if clinically indicated. Please note that your school or program may have additional requirements for post-COVID-19 clearance. If you were not initially tested for COVID-19 at CVS® or MinuteClinic, you will need to bring a copy of your test results.
Having a PPE protects you, your teammates and staff from avoidable illness, injury and even possibly life-threatening situations. As well as meeting the eligibility requirements, a sports physical provides additional benefits before participation:
- Evaluating general health can proactively help address potential health concerns: Reviewing your medical history and immunization record and performing a routine physical exam can help you avoid issues that may block participation. Any immunization gaps can be addressed.
- Get useful training tips: If you are going to attend a sports camp, your MinuteClinic® provider may share some helpful training advice and ideas for avoiding injuries during the event.
- The medical history review covers any medical conditions that run in the family, such as diabetes and prior illnesses such as asthma: Your MinuteClinic provider can check on the status and recommend medication or additional remedies. For example, although you may not have had symptoms for an extended period, a history of asthma may interfere with eligibility. A solution may be for you to carry an inhaler. It helps team staff to be aware in case a player experiences a sudden episode and needs to use it.
- Pre-existing and current conditions such as allergies and injuries must be evaluated: Injuries in sports can range from minor ankle sprains and repetitive motion strains to more severe conditions like concussion and heat stroke. This screening will identify those potential health issues, so they're not exacerbated and cause undue pain, injury or re-injury.
IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ: This material is for reference only and should not be used to determine treatment for specific medical conditions. Please visit a health care provider for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of any symptoms you may be experiencing. If you're experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 911 or visit your local emergency department.
REFERENCES USED AS SOURCES FOR THIS PAGE:
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1. Physical Exams and Teen Sports via WebMD. Accessed 29 August 2024.
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2. Sports Physicals via Cleveland Clinic. Accessed 29 August 2024.
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3. Sports Physicals via Nemours Children’s Health. Accessed 29 August 2024.
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4. Sports Physical: When, Where, Who Should Do It? via American Academy of Pediatrics. Accessed 29 August 2024.