To doctors and medical professionals, a sports physical is also known as a pre-participation physical examination (PPE). This exam helps to determine whether or not a child, teen or adult is physically able to safely participate in a sport. Any person who is starting a new exercise routine or a sport should always discuss it with their healthcare professional first. Conducting a routine sports physical offers an easy and fast way to do this.

It is important for the patient to note that a sports physical should not take place of a regular annual checkup or annual physical, this is because of the simple fact that a sports physical only focuses on health history that may have a direct impact on a person’s ability to play a specific sport. While a sports physical does typically cover a lot of what’s covered during an annual physical or exam, it’s still very important to always schedule a separate annual checkup in addition to all physicals that may be required in order to be able to participate in a sport.

No, it cannot. Schools and or camps will often require additional documentation from your child’s primary care doctor or pediatrician regarding their growth, completed vaccinations, and more. In most cases, sports physical forms are limited to only sports participation. So, any additional paperwork would be needed in order to complete other physicals for school or camp at Franklin Primary Care.

The doctors and medical professionals at Franklin Primary Care always want to make getting a sports physical for you or your child as easy as possible. Making sure that you bring all the required information and paperwork with you to your appointment is a great start to this. Some of the items that you will need to bring are proper identification (this can include a photo id, driver’s license, birth certificate, or passport). You will also need to bring the appropriate sports physical form for your specific state and lastly – you will need to bring cash or a card to pay for your physical. Sports or camp physicals are not typically covered by insurance, so therefore, any payment that is accrued is done at the time of treatment.

Before you come to your appointment, be sure to fill out the physical form, which will often include a detailed health history, any certifications, consents, and required signatures. The required form that you need can usually be found online on your state’s athletic association website or at times it will be handed to you by an employee working at the camp and or school. It’s always a good idea to also take along the list of any medications that are currently being taken by the patient, any recent surgeries, injuries, and illnesses – this is so that the doctor or medical professional has a complete understanding of anything that may put you or your child at risk of any health complications.

For more information, please contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are located at 225 Nassau Boulevard, West Hempstead, New York 11552. We serve patients from West Hempstead NY, Franklin Square NY, Garden City NY, New Hyde Park NY, Uniondale NY, Mineola NY, and North Valley Stream NY.