12 Frequently Asked Questions About School Physicals

With summer winding down, it’s time to schedule your annual child’s back-to-school check-up. Pediatricians like to call this time of year “physical season.” School and sports physicals give children (and caregivers) dedicated time to discuss healthy habits, check-in on chronic conditions, chat about school concerns and child safety. It’s also a good time to ensure your child is up to date on their vaccinations. In fact, studies show children are most successful in the classroom and extracurricular activities when they feel healthy.

Whether it’s your first time scheduling an annual physical for your child, or you’re a pro and just need a refresher from last year’s check-up, Amy Shriver, MD, UnityPoint Health, responds to 12 frequently asked questions parents have about their child’s back-to-school physical.

1. How Often Does My Child Need to Go to the Doctor?

School-aged children need yearly appointments with their primary care doctor to promote healthy growth and development and to discuss health questions with their doctor. Children younger than three years old have more frequent visits.

2. Is There a Difference Between an Annual Physical and Sports Physical?

Yes, there's a difference between sports and annual physicals.

If your child is going into seventh grade and wants to participate in sports, they need a sports physical. Your child's doctor will ask specific questions to ensure your child is safe to participate in a particular sport or physical activity.

During annual health visits, a doctor checks out your child’s overall health, including their growth and development, social and emotional well-being as well as any health conditions and medications. There is no need to make a separate appointment if a sports and annual physical are needed. Your child's doctor can provide both exams during one appointment.

3. Do Schools Require Physical Examinations for Students?

Depending on where your child attends school, it may or may not be necessary for them to have a physical examination. While not all schools require annual school physicals, all health experts recommend them to make sure your child is maintaining healthy growth and development, discuss safety, manage medications, and detect health concerns early.

To participate in sports in Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin, a student must have a physical. Certain vaccinations are also required for children upon entering different grade levels.

4. What Should I Expect During My Child’s Physical?

Annual back-to-school check-ups are a great way for your child to get to know their doctor and feel safe in their care. Having a comfortable, familiar place where you receive care — with a doctor who knows your child — improves your child’s health.

Their doctor will check in on how your child’s previous school year went as well as their physical, mental and academic health. In addition, your doctor and/or their care team will check your child’s height, weight and blood pressure. Their growth is followed on a growth curve, designed to show caregivers if their child is meeting healthy goals for growing.

Your child’s doctor also does a full physical exam, checking the heart, lungs and spine for any curvature. Physical exams are especially important as your child’s body changes during puberty. If it’s time for an immunization update, vaccinations are provided during the appointment as well as any medication refills.

5. Are These Examinations Important?

Absolutely. Your child’s doctor is an expert in their health. Annual exams help families understand their child’s growth and development. If your child needs medication refills or vaccinations, they’re provided during the appointment. Children also learn about nutrition, exercise, screen time and other healthy habits during these visits. A lot can change for a child during a year, and back-to-school exams are a safe place for your child to discuss stressful life events or questions about growing up.

6. What Type of Healthcare Providers Can Perform the Exam?

Several different healthcare providers can perform a physical examination for children. A physician, physician’s assistant, or an advanced registered nurse practitioner (ARNP) all perform back-to-school physicals.

7. Do I Need to Prepare My Child for Their Physical?

Dr. Shriver recommends preparing children of all ages for what to expect at the doctor’s office.

“When children are prepared, they often feel less fearful. As early as age two, children pretend to go to the doctor as a form of play at home. I recommend becoming familiar with the immunization schedule, so you can help your child know whether to expect any vaccines. Never promise a child “no shots.” “Be open and honest — explain how immunizations keep us safe from certain sicknesses,” Dr. Shriver says.

8. Will My Child Get Immunizations/Vaccines During Their Physical?

Immunizations and vaccines are available during the back-to-school physical. All schools require vaccinations.

9. Should I Make a List of My Concerns?

Yes. If you have any concerns about your child’s emotional, mental or physical well-being, ask their primary care physician. However, an annual school visit takes time, so prepare with one or two of your most pressing questions. You may need to schedule a follow-up appointment if you need to discuss more than a few health concerns.

If your child is old enough, involve them in the appointment. Encourage them to ask questions. This helps children develop skills to manage their health on their own when they become adults.

10. Is There Anything I Need to Prepare For?

If your family medical history changed, you have a new insurance provider or your child is takes medication, have this information ready for their doctor.

11. Can I Wait Until the End of Summer Since Sports Begin in the Fall?

Pediatrician's summer schedules fill up fast. Delaying the appointment might make it more challenging to find an opening that's convenient for you. By scheduling the physical in the spring or early summer, you can avoid the back-to-school rush. Some summer camps require physicals, so your child may need to get theirs in the spring.

“Once a child’s sports physical is completed, it’s good for a full year. So, if parents want to schedule around the child’s birthday and avoid the rush of summertime, that physical form is good until their birthday the following year,” Dr. Shriver says.

12. How Can I Schedule a Visit?

Call to speak with one of our experience specialists at a UnityPoint Clinic location near you. They can help you find a time that works with your schedule. You can also conveniently schedule your appointment in our app for patients, MyUnityPoint.