A school physical is more than just a routine doctor’s appointment. It’s a great way to get your child’s school year off to a healthy start.
School physicals, also called well-child exams, allow your family medicine provider to evaluate your child’s growth and development, screen for common childhood conditions and make sure their immunizations are up to date. Here’s everything you need to know to plan for your child’s next school physical.
When Does My Child Need a Physical?
Your family’s primary care provider may recommend more frequent exams based on your child’s unique health history. However, there are general requirements for school-age children, including:
- If this is your child's first year at school
- If your child has not had a physical in the past 12 months
- If your child is due for a vaccine
- If your child is transferring from a school not in Illinois to a new school in Illinois
- If your child will be playing a school sport or activity that requires an ECG screening
Talk to your primary care provider to ensure your child is current with their immunizations before school starts.
Schedule Early
Be sure to call your family medicine provider’s office for an appointment, ideally soon after summer vacation begins and before school starts. Our team provides thousands of school physicals every summer, and slots fill up quickly. Plus, there’s always a chance the provider will want to order a follow-up test. If your child’s check-up happens late in the summer, you might not have time to schedule the tests before school starts.
Prepare Questions
Before the visit, think about any questions you have about your child’s health. Maybe you’re worried about their sleep habits, screen time or fitness level. Or maybe you’re wondering about keeping an extra EpiPen in the nurse’s office and finding out if your child is still allergic to eggs. If so, be sure to write your questions down.
When you arrive for your child’s appointment, let a nurse or assistant know about your questions so they can give your doctor a heads up.
Bring Your Forms
Many schools ask parents to fill out and return health-related forms before school starts in the fall, most of which require a doctor’s signature. These forms may:
- Allow the staff to give your child medication during the school day
- Clear your child to play sports
- Confirm that your child’s vaccinations are up to date
Be sure to bring those school health forms with you to your child’s physical. If you don’t have the forms you need, check your school’s website or call the school for help.
Understand Common Screening Tests
Health screenings are a vital part of any school physical. Depending on your child’s age and health history, these tests may include:
- A screening for spine problems
- A urine test to detect signs of infection or Type 1 diabetes
- A vision check
- Blood work to look for signs of high cholesterol or low iron count
- Hearing test
- Heart and blood pressure tests
- Tests to check developmental milestones
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)*
If any of these screenings suggest a possible problem, your doctor will talk to you about next steps. They may order follow-up tests to learn more.
*ECG screenings may be required for various school sports and activities. Check with your specific school for requirements.
Think About Other Prescriptions
It’s also important to bring along a list of the medications that your child takes regularly. If any were prescribed by another doctor or specialist, your child’s doctor might not be aware of them. Be sure to write down the drug name, dosage and how often your child takes the medication, and bring that information with you.
Let the doctor know if your child received other medical care in the last year. Examples include physical therapy, speech therapy or occupational therapy.
If your child needs the school office or school nurse to keep extra medication on hand, let your doctor know. These can include:
- An emergency inhaler for asthma symptoms
- An EpiPen for severe allergic reactions
- Insulin for Type 1 diabetes
- Medication for a chronic condition
It’s vital that your child’s school has the needed medications on hand in case of an emergency.
Prep for Immunizations
Immunizations keep our kids and communities safe. They protect infants, children and teens from serious diseases. All public school systems require certain immunizations in order for children to attend classes. Your child’s school physical is the ideal time to get up to date on those shots. If your child missed any immunizations at a younger age, the doctor might give “catch-up” immunizations.
Consider mentioning any upcoming immunizations to your child to help them mentally prepare — some kids like to know in advance. For a complete schedule of childhood immunizations, click here.
Here to Make Sure Your Kids Are Healthy
At the end of the appointment, you’ll leave the doctor’s office with an after-visit summary and completed forms. Your child may even receive a sticker for a job well done. More importantly, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re doing all you can to help start your child’s next school year in the healthiest way possible.
If you need a family medicine provider, we’re here to help. It’s our honor to help your children grow strong. Call us at 855-231-1033 to schedule an appointment with a primary care provider.
