Written by HealthHarbor

As new school, camp, college, and sports seasons approach, many parents are going through the annual routine of buying supplies, doing paperwork, and preparing for a busy calendar. Not to be overlooked is the necessity of getting the often-required physicals required prior to sports involvement or attendance in certain camps, schools, or colleges. Where to go for a pre-sports physical or a back-to-school checkup depends on a variety of factors such as familiarity, cost, schedule and medical history. Most families, especially those near cities or suburban areas, have several choices that affect price as well as convenience.

 The Family Doctor:

The default for many families in need of a school, camp, college, or sports exam is to see their family doctor. A family practicioner or pediatrician can easily perform all of the tests you need to have done, and they do enough of them each year so it is very routine for them. Seeing your family doctor or pediatrician is a good option if you want the provider to have context of your child’s long-term health, or if you have specific concerns you would like to raise. Additionally, many college physicals require a more in-depth exam that should be provided in a doctor’s office.  Having your exam done with your doctor will also ensure any findings or test results make it in to the child's permanent medical record. If your goal is simply to get the checkup completed and the camp, school, or sports forms signed, however, seeing a doctor may require an unnecessary appointment and waiting period, and it will usually be the most expensive option of the three we discuss.

Walk-In / Retail Clinics:

Most of the retail or walk-in clinics located in grocery, discount, or pharmacy chains offer a sports, camp, or school physical. They will cover the items that you need to have checked per the health checklist, although some college physicals may require exam beyond what is covered with these options. The cost is low – often $35 to $50 dollars – and the convenience can’t be beat.  Just find a walk-in clinic location, see the practicioner, and you will be done within minutes. The staff can also assist you with other health issues you may be having, but since the pricing is a la carte, they may charge more for additional tests or consultations. Walk-in and retail clinics are typically available to those within short distance from metropolitan areas are large discount retailers like Wal-Mart or Target.  Walk-in clinics are staffed with nurse practioners or physicians assistants, professionals fully capable of addressing most routine health needs but not typically able to diagnose or treat more serious or unique conditions.

School-Affiliated Workshops:

Many schools offer onsite physicals by bringing in a doctor or other medical professional for a one-day clinic. The cost associated with these physicals is usually low, sometimes just $20 or $30, and since that is all they are doing that day, the doctor knows the drill and is efficient. While it may be the cheapest and fastest option, you need to be in a position to meet the school’s set schedule – they typically have set hours and then the clinic is done. Also, since the doctor may have little context as to child's health history and is there specifically to perform the sports or school physical, you may want to choose a different route if you are hoping to get more information on your child’s health than simply having the health form signed. Finally, not all school districts may offer this option, so you would need to check with your district's office on if it is something they offer.

 Any of the above options are suitable for a routine sports, school, camp, or college physical.  Be wise with your time as well as your money when seeking out the exam. You have options as a consumer, and a little homework can save hassle and expense.