School Physicals

What are school physicals?

School physicals at Tri Cities Urgent Care consist of medical evaluations and diagnostic tests or treatments that ensure you’re healthy enough to safely participate in school, college, sporting events, or camps. Many such organizations require physicals for participation.

Even if your school doesn’t require physical exams, scheduling them annually for yourself or your child offers peace of mind. These exams can detect medical problems before they cause complications.

What happens during school physicals?

School physicals typically consist of:

Weigh-in and vital signs check

The Tri Cities Urgent Care team weighs you and checks your vital signs, including your blood pressure, pulse, and heartbeat. They evaluate body mass index (BMI) and growth and development in children.

Medical history review

During the medical history review, your provider discusses any past medical problems, medication, your lifestyle, and your family’s history of diseases.

Medical exam

During a medical exam, your urgent care specialist examines your limbs, reflexes, heartbeat, breathing, ears, eyes, throat, and more to screen for apparent signs of medical problems.

Health screenings

Tri Cities Urgent Care offers health screenings for high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), heart problems, injuries, vision and hearing concerns, and more. They could order on-site lab testing, X-rays, and additional diagnostic tests.

If they find a condition that requires treatment, like a joint injury, fracture, asthma, allergies, an illness, or a disease, the Tri Cities Urgent Care team offers treatment recommendations. They could suggest casting, bracing, medication, an inhaler, or a referral to a specialist for care. The practice also provides vaccinations (immunizations).

Paperwork

After completing a school physical, the Tri Cities Urgent Care team fills out the required physical exam forms. The team provides a copy for your records or to give to the school. They can also provide proof of vaccinations.

How often should I schedule school physicals?

Ask your or your child’s school how often to schedule physicals to participate in classes, sports, or camps. Some organizations require yearly physical exams. They can ask that one be done more often if you have a medical problem like a chronic disease, heart condition, genetic abnormality, or previous injury.

See the Tri Cities Urgent Care whenever you experience pain or other injury symptoms. It’s important to note that annual physicals, done as part of a care plan by a primary physician, are not currently offered by Tri Cities Urgent Care.

Schedule your school physical today at Tri Cities Urgent Care by phone or online, or walk in anytime.