A school physical is a medical evaluation that doctors perform on adolescents before the start of the school year. The goal of the physical is to assess the student’s overall health and well-being and to ensure that they are ready to participate in the upcoming school year. During the appointment, your healthcare provider will perform a thorough physical examination, review your child’s medical history and current medications, and check their immunization records. The provider may also ask questions about their health and lifestyle and provide advice and recommendations for maintaining good health. Monroe TWP adolescent medicine focuses on ensuring your child’s health, ensuring they lead a happy, healthy life.

When to schedule school physicals

Many prefer taking their adolescents to school physicals before the start of the school year, but the exact timing may rely on the school’s requirements. You should check with the school for specific deadlines and schedule the physical exam in advance to allow any necessary follow-up appointments. It is also a good idea to schedule it when your child is not actively participating in sports or other physical activities that may affect the exam results.

What to bring to a school physical

A school physical is essential for adolescents as it assesses their overall health and well-being. To prepare for the appointment, you may need to bring the following items:

  • A complete and signed school physical form will likely include important information about your child’s medical history, immunization records, and medications.
  • Suppose your adolescent is taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications. In that case, it is important to bring this information to the appointment so the healthcare provider can assess potential interactions or side effects.
  • Immunization records. Your child’s immunization records should be up-to-date, and the healthcare provider may need to verify that they comply with the school’s requirements.
  • Suppose the adolescent has had any recent medical tests or procedures. In that case, it is important to bring these records to the appointment to help the healthcare provider make informed decisions about their health.

What to expect during a school physical

The physical exam will typically begin with a thorough review of your child’s medical history and current medications, followed by a physical examination that includes height, weight, and blood pressure measurements. The healthcare provider may also listen to their heart and lungs, check their vision and hearing, and examine their skin, eyes, nose, and throat. Depending on the adolescent’s age and health status, your Rural Health Corporation of Northeastern Pennsylvania provider may also perform a pelvic exam for females and test for sexually transmitted infections (STIs.

Throughout the appointment, the healthcare provider may ask you and your child questions about their health, lifestyle, and well-being and provide advice and recommendations for maintaining good health. The provider may also discuss any health concerns or issues your adolescent may have. The goal of the school physical is to ensure that your kid is healthy and ready to participate in the upcoming school year.

Call the Rural Health Corporation of Northeastern Pennsylvania for more information about school physicals, or book your spot online.