Sports physicals

Dragonfly Health providers are qualified to perform sports physicals for kids and teens. Our providers will review your child’s medical history, conduct an exam and recommend additional tests and diagnosis if necessary. Following the session, your Dragonfly Health provider will fill in the required medical forms for the athlete.

Also called pre-participation physical examinations (PPE), sports physicals are usually a part of registering youths for participation in a sport. Organizers generally require an evaluation for children to participate, with regulations varying according to the rules of the respective state, school or a sport’s governing body. A PPE helps to assure that the athlete is healthy and physically ready for their chosen activity such as baseball, football, soccer or track. Before registering, check with the organizers about their eligibility requirements. The purpose is to help minimize the risk of injury while your child plays.

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What to know before your visit

Our practitioners provide this service for patients 18 months and older.

Insurance is not accepted for physicals at Dragonfly Health and payment is due at time of visit.
Bring any required forms including a completed health and immunization history.
If the athlete has a history of any type of heart problem, heart condition, or an episode or event related to their heart, we require documentation from the athlete’s primary care or treating physician stating the condition has been evaluated and does not prevent participation in sports.
Our practitioners can only verify immunizations administered at our office or with appropriate documentation.
A sports physical should not replace an annual wellness physical.

What to expect at your visit

Greeted by one of our attentive patient coordinators.
Sign in and fill out your intake form on one of our ipads.
Your practitioner will review your medical history and immunizations and perform a simple physical exam to determine if you are able to safely participate in your chosen sport.
Your practitioner may conduct a urinalysis if required. Please note that additional charges apply for these tests.
At the end of your visit, your practitioner will stamp any medical forms required and also provide you with a summary, a receipt, and educational material.
The summary of your visit can be sent to your primary care provider with your permission.

What are the benefits of sports physicals?

Sports physicals help to make sure an athlete can safely play in their chosen sport as required by the state, school or sports organization. Even when it is not mandatory, sports physical exams help to keep vaccinations up to date and provide a chance to discuss any concerns.

Having a PPE protects your child, teammates, and staff from avoidable illness, sports injuries, and even possibly life-threatening situations. As well as meeting the eligibility requirements, there are added benefits to having a sports physical before participation:

Evaluating general health can help address potential health concerns proactively. Reviewing the medical history and immunization record, and performing a routine physical exam can help avoid issues that may block participation in a chosen sport or sports season. It allows addressing matters like gaps in immunization.
The medical history review covers any medical conditions that appear in the family, such as diabetes and illnesses such as asthma. Your Dragonfly Health provider can check on the status and recommend medication or additional remedies. Though a child may not have had symptoms for an extended period, a history of asthma may interfere with eligibility, for example. A solution may be for them to carry an inhaler. It helps team staff to be aware in case the player experiences an unexpected episode and needs to use it.
Pre-existing and current conditions such as allergies and injuries must be evaluated. Injuries in youth sports can range from minor ankle sprains, repetitive motion strains, to more severe conditions like concussion and heat stroke. This screening will identify those potential health issues, so they are not exacerbated and cause undue pain, injury, or re-injury.
Get useful training tips. If a child is to attend a sports camp, your Dragonfly Health provider may share some helpful training advice and ideas for avoiding injuries during the event.

How to prepare for a sports physical?

Specific requirements can vary according to the particular sport’s organizers or governing body. Your child’s sports physical examination may include:

Review of the athlete and the family’s medical history
Details regarding dietary supplements, medications or prescriptions for your child
General physical exam to check the ears, nose, throat, heart, lungs and abdomen
Vision check
Check blood pressure, oxygen saturation, heart rate and rhythm
Height and weight measurement
Evaluate flexibility, joints, posture and strength
Urine test to screen for indicators of any underlying medical condition such as diabetes

Parents are reminded to fill out the parents’ sections of all the necessary forms before the visit. Doing so will help to expedite the sports physical exam process. Please collect the following medical information to bring to the examination:

Relevant health and medical history, including any allergies, current medications and existing medical conditions
Primary care provider’s name and contact info

For participants with a history of a heart ailment or cardiac event, the primary care physician or treating provider must provide a statement that they have evaluated the condition and that it does not prevent the athlete’s participation.

Please note that your provider can verify vaccinations given at Dragonfly Health or with proper documentation of immunizations administered by another health care provider. A sports physical exam is not intended to replace a comprehensive annual wellness exam and other screenings.