Pediatric Sports Physical in Jacksonville, FL

It is that time of year again, whether it is spring, fall, winter or summer, sports physicals are being scheduled for recreational or school sports. Most schools or athletic organizations require a sports physical for participation. This can be included in the child’s check up, but many programs require it within a certain timeframe prior to the sports season. If this is the case, insurance does not cover it but we offer a reasonable flat fee, similar to acute care clinics. We prefer you bring your child to us because we have their entire medical history to review and consider when clearing the child.

Duval and surrounding counties require that a Pre-Participation Sports Physical Form be completed for a student to participate in school sports. The form for Florida schools is available for download by clicking the link above. Fill out the Pre-Participation Sports Physical Form and bring it to The Carithers Pediatric Group for the physical examination. At Carithers, we can provide sports physicals for recreational sports, school sports teams, and college student physicals. We ask that college students bring the required paperwork from their respective colleges with them to the physical exam.

We will do our very best to accommodate unexpected, last-minute appointments.

What does a sports physical entail?

For most sports physicals there are two different sections. The first section involves the listing of the medical history of the patient and the family. This portion of the physical helps the physician to gain some understanding of the individual’s medical history and perform the most thorough physical examination. The physical examination itself determines whether the patient is healthy and if they are physically capable of participating in a specific sport. Sports physicals help organizations to take preventative measures, so the risk of injury to a child who may be predisposed to a certain condition can be reduced.

The value of having your personal pediatric group perform your physical is that we can look at your child’s previous medical history. We can review growth patterns, blood pressure trends, access any previous subspecialty notes, and review the medical history that is pertinent for an excellent performance.

The Medical History segment includes:

• current medications including supplements
• past surgery, hospitalization or conditions
• past injuries
• allergies (plant, insects, medication)
• history of dizziness, passing out, chest pain or trouble breathing during exercise
• family history of illness
• illnesses the child may currently have or had in the past

The Physical Exam includes the following:

• recording height and weight
• examining lungs, heart, nose, ears, and throat
• vision check
• genital exam (male)
• hernia check (male)
• taking blood pressure and heart rate readings
• joint, neck, back exam

Sports Physicals in Jacksonville, FL

Carithers provides sports physical exams that meet Florida High School Athletic Association requirements and that fully assess your child’s health. It is our goal to make sure that your child is healthy and physically ready to participate in athletic activities. For more information on sports physicals or our other services, contact us at one of our Jacksonville offices.