Getting ready for a new school year involves more than shopping for supplies and organizing carpools. One of the most important back-to-school steps for families is making sure kids are healthy and cleared to participate in school activities—especially sports. That’s where school physicals come in.
These routine checkups are more than just a formality. They help ensure that children are physically prepared for academic and athletic demands. At Art of Medicine Direct, we make school physicals simple, thorough, and stress-free for families who want quality care without the usual delays or red tape.
What Is a School Physical?
A school physical is a preventive checkup that confirms a child’s general health and readiness for school, sports, or other activities. It often includes a review of medical history, a physical exam, and specific screenings based on a child’s age or activity level.
Schools and athletic programs usually require a completed physical form signed by a licensed healthcare provider to verify that the student is in good health and able to participate safely.
What’s Included in a School Physical?
At Art of Medicine Direct, our school physicals are customized to match the specific requirements set by local school districts and athletic associations, while also keeping a focus on the individual child’s overall well-being.
A typical school physical includes:
Review of medical history:
This includes past illnesses, injuries, surgeries, allergies, medications, and family history of chronic conditions like asthma or heart disease.
Growth and development check:
Height, weight, BMI, and other developmental milestones are tracked to ensure children are growing as expected.
Vital signs:
Blood pressure, heart rate, respiration, and temperature are checked.
Vision and hearing screenings:
Many schools require this for classroom learning and safety.
Musculoskeletal exam:
We assess strength, flexibility, posture, joints, and muscle tone, especially important for students involved in sports.
Heart and lung exam:
Listening to the heart and lungs helps rule out concerns like murmurs or breathing difficulties.
Abdominal check:
The abdomen is examined to detect any unusual masses or hernias.
Mental health screening:
Depending on age, we may ask about emotional well-being, stress, sleep, and school-related challenges.
We also use the opportunity to update or review any necessary immunizations based on school entry requirements.
Why School Physicals Matter
These visits aren’t just about checking boxes. A school physical gives a provider the chance to catch potential concerns early and offer guidance to support a child’s health all year long.
Early detection of health issues:
Conditions like asthma, scoliosis, or vision problems can affect classroom performance or athletic safety if not addressed.
Mental health support:
With rising rates of anxiety, depression, and academic pressure among students, these visits give families a chance to talk openly about emotional health.
Ongoing wellness guidance:
Our team can answer questions about nutrition, sleep habits, physical activity, and other lifestyle factors that affect a child’s ability to learn and grow.
When to Schedule a School Physical
It’s best not to wait until the last minute. Many schools require physicals to be completed before the start of the school year or the first practice of a sports season. Ideally, schedule the appointment at least a month in advance to avoid long wait times or last-minute stress.
Because North Carolina schools typically start in August, we encourage families to plan school physicals between late spring and early summer. This gives everyone enough time to complete forms and address any health issues before school begins.
Do School Physicals Cover Sports Clearance?
Yes. If your child is joining a sports team or extracurricular activity that involves physical exertion, they’ll likely need a sports clearance as part of the school physical.
Our providers are experienced in assessing athletic readiness and identifying any risks that might make certain activities unsafe. We take the time to ask about training habits, past injuries, and any symptoms during exercise, such as chest pain or dizziness. If needed, we can order additional tests or referrals to specialists for further evaluation.
How Art of Medicine Direct Makes It Easier for Families
At our direct primary care practice, we believe healthcare should be convenient, clear, and patient-focused—especially when it comes to kids. Here’s how we support families through school physical season:
No insurance barriers:
You don’t need to worry about high copays, deductibles, or whether your visit is “covered.” Our affordable membership model gives you direct access to your provider, with school physicals included in your care.
Same-day and next-day appointments:
We offer flexible scheduling for members so you don’t have to wait weeks for an opening.
Unhurried visits:
We never rush through appointments. Our team takes the time to answer your questions and connect with your child to make them feel comfortable.
Personalized care:
We know our patients by name, not by a chart number. That means we can catch patterns or changes in your child’s health more easily over time.
Paperwork support:
We help complete school forms during your visit so you can leave with everything you need for school or sports enrollment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to bring anything to the appointment?
Yes, please bring any forms provided by your child’s school or sports program. If you’re unsure what’s needed, we can help guide you based on local requirements.
What if my child is nervous about the visit?
That’s completely normal. We work with kids of all ages and use a calm, friendly approach to make the experience feel safe and positive. Parents are welcome to stay in the room during the entire exam.
Are immunizations required for school entry?
North Carolina does have specific vaccination requirements for school enrollment. During your child’s physical, we’ll review their immunization record and provide any updates they may need.
Can I get a physical even if I’m not a member?
We prioritize our members, but occasionally offer one-time visits for non-members. If you’re not sure if direct primary care is the right fit, this can be a great opportunity to experience what it’s like to work with a provider who puts your family first.
Looking Ahead
School physicals aren’t just about getting a signature—they’re about setting kids up for a strong, healthy start. Whether your child is heading into kindergarten, middle school, or the high school track team, a thoughtful, thorough physical is an important part of that journey.
If you’re looking for a medical practice that makes your child’s health a priority and supports you every step of the way, we’re here to help. At Art of Medicine Direct, we’re committed to making healthcare personal again.
Ready to schedule a school physical? Contact us today to find a time that works for your family.
