How to Find Back-to-School Physicals Near You

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  • AdventHealth
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Health and Wellness
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As the beginning of the school year approaches, it’s time to help your children prepare before entering a new grade level. While it’s easy to remember their school supplies and new clothes after growth spurts, an often-overlooked detail of this time of year is their back-to-school physical.

Even if your child doesn’t have an established doctor, we’re here to help ensure they get the wellness checkup they need. We’ve put together a how-to guide for finding a back-to-school physical for your child on where to go, what to look for before scheduling a visit and how to choose what’s right for your child.

Where to Go for Physicals

When it’s time for your child’s back-to-school physical, there are several places you can go, including their dedicated primary care provider (PCP) or pediatrician, or a walk-in clinic, such as AdventHealth Centra Care. Let’s take a closer look at both to determine which option is right for you and your family.

Dedicated PCP or Pediatrician

There are many benefits of having an established PCP or pediatrician, including continuity of care and the ability to schedule back-to-school physicals months in advance. Seeing the same provider each year builds trust and confidence in your child. It also helps their provider better understand their overall health, enabling more personalized guidance and comprehensive discussions about their wellness as they grow.

Walk-In Clinics

Whether you're new in town and need to establish a PCP or pediatrician for your child or you're just navigating a busy schedule, a walk-in clinic may be a convenient option for your family.

At AdventHealth Centra Care, we don’t require referrals from your child’s PCP for a physical. We also offer evening and weekend hours with walk-in availability to fit any schedule. To make it even easier, our urgent care locations offer sports physicals and immunizations that your child may need before returning to school.

Things to Look for Before Scheduling a Back-to-School Physical

Before you decide where to go for your child’s back-to-school physical, there are certain things to look for. The most important thing to know before scheduling an appointment is what services they offer. For example, if your child is on one of their school’s sports teams, they may be required to have a sports physical, which is slightly different from a regular one and may not be offered at select locations. Similarly, your child may need a specific vaccine before returning to school. Be sure to call and find out if these are offered at your preferred location.

Another key aspect to consider before scheduling your child’s back-to-school physical is the location's convenience. With a dedicated PCP or pediatrician, you tend to have less same-week availability due to higher patient volume and no weekend or evening hours. If your schedule is tight, an urgent care location may be best, as they offer same-day appointments with evening and weekend hours.

We also understand that in the busyness of back-to-school season, it can be easy to rush through scheduling an appointment without checking the location's distance. The good news is that we have many convenient locations to choose from, so be sure to check what's near you. You shouldn’t have to travel far to get the pediatric care your child needs.

Scheduling Your Child’s Visit

You can schedule your child’s back-to-school physical online, on our AdventHealth app or by calling your preferred location. For a smooth experience, we recommend booking your appointment or completing your walk-in visit early to beat the summer rush.

Ensure you visit a provider or facility that offers dedicated pediatric care so your child receives care tailored to their unique needs and stage of life.

Answering Your Back-to-School Physical Questions

Where can I find school physicals near me?

You can find school physicals at any of our AdventHealth Centra Care locations.

What should I bring to a school physical?

Bring your child’s medical and immunization records, required school or sports forms as well as your driver’s license and insurance information if applicable.

How much does a school physical cost?

The cost of a school physical can vary depending on several factors, like your health insurance status, your location (certain regions may be more expensive than others) and if additional testing is needed. On average, a school physical costs between $30 and $50 as a copay with insurance, and out-of-pocket costs range from $75 to $150.

Can I get a school physical without insurance?

Yes, you can get a school physical without insurance. The estimated cost is between $75 and $150 if no additional testing is needed.

What is the difference between a school physical and a sports physical?

A school physical assesses your child’s overall health, development and immunization status regarding school enrollment. A sports physical is a thorough exam that assesses your child’s readiness to participate in a sport. These exams typically include a medical history review and a comprehensive physical examination that assesses your child’s cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health, and flexibility and bone health to detect risk factors and prevent injuries during play.

Making It Easy for Your Child to Get the Care They Deserve

At AdventHealth, we believe that getting routine checkups for your children should be easy. That’s why we offer dedicated pediatric care and back-to-school physicals at our urgent care locations. Explore our other services and find a location near you to nurture your child’s health in body, mind and spirit.

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