Get children’s sports physicals done soon
It’s been more than a few weeks since the kids finished singing “no more pencils and no more books…” and you know summer is underway. The routine changed to staying up late and sleeping in.
But, summer is a perfect time to schedule your children’s sports physicals.
Consider that many active kids have high school sports starting well before the school year begins. Plus, many kids may compete in local club sports. Add in camps, vacations, sleepovers, golf lessons and several other appointments, and schedules fill quickly.
Tight schedules can make it tough to squeeze everything in, and you certainly don’t want to miss the sports physicals. After all, most schools require students to undergo a sports participation physical with a health care provider.
Here are some tips to make the process easy and ensure your student athlete is ready for a great season.
5 tips to prepare for sports physicals
1. There are many providers who provide sports physicals — medical and osteopathic doctors, nurse practitioners and physician assistants. You can also visit an urgent care for sports physicals. The important thing is to find someone who will spend time with your child, get to know his or her history, examine their physical health and teach about wellness.
2. You might be able to save money by making the sports physical part of your child’s annual wellchild visit. Typically, the cost of a sports physical is low and can be paid by cash, check or credit card. Because the cost is so low, the provider likely won’t offer to bill your insurance. However, if your child is on Medicaid and you don’t have the money for the physical, ask if you can schedule a well-child check instead. This is covered by most insurances, including Medicaid. The well-child check is more comprehensive than the typical sports physical, so you must mention this when you schedule.
Check with your insurance provider for the details on what your cost may be.
3. Choose a location where you can schedule an appointment. This allows you to arrive at a set time, see your provider and be on your way. Sports physical clinics done on a firstcome, first-serve basis can be convenient — if you arrive first.
4. Bring the forms that your school requires to your appointment. Don’t assume the clinic will have your school’s paperwork on hand or you could be making a second trip back to get the required signatures.
5. Take advantage of the time you have to ask questions of the health care provider. Does your child have nagging, sports-related injuries? Do you have concerns about recognizing a concussion? Do you need help discussing sensitive topics with your teen like eating disorders, drug and alcohol use or sexually transmitted diseases?
As school nears, plenty of things will fill your calendar. Get the sports physical out of the way now so your student athlete is ready to hit the field. Or pool. Or court. Or links. Or gridiron. Or pitch. Or whichever venue hosts your child’s sport of choice. And best wishes for a great season.
To schedule your child’s sports physical appointment with a Banner Health provider in Brush for Fort Morgan, call 970-842-6262.