School Physicals

Why does my child need a school physical?

Most schools and school districts require students to go through comprehensive medical exams before enrolling in classes or before participating in sports or extracurricular activities. These routine exams are important to ensure your child:

• Is healthy enough for activities
• Doesn’t have any communicable diseases
• Is developing healthfully
• Has recovered after a prior injury

Schools usually provide paperwork for physicians to follow, including tests or evaluations required to perform during physicals. 

What happens during a school physical?

While most school or sports physicals are standardized based on the school district’s requirements, your child’s exam is also tailored to their specific needs. Depending on your child’s health and any concerns you may have, their exam may include:

• Comprehensive review of their medical history
• Blood testing or urinalysis
• Height and weight analysis
• Blood pressure and pulse check
• Vision and hearing screening
• Head-to-toe evaluation
• Neurological and reflex testing

Because the providers at LaSante Health Center regularly perform school physicals, they are familiar with filling out the paperwork and preparing any necessary medical reports for your child’s school. 

How do I prepare for a school physical?

It can be helpful to read through the form the school gives you so you can tell your child what to expect. To help your child’s physical go as smoothly as possible, you should:

• Make a list of all medications and dietary supplements
• Gather any recent medical records, such as urgent care visits
• Bring in vaccination and immunization records

If your child wears glasses or contact lenses, make sure they wear them or bring them to the exam. Some school physicals require the team at LaSante Health Center to conduct a basic vision test to ensure your child can see clearly. 

To schedule your child’s school physical, call LaSante Health Center or request an appointment online today.