School Physical Exam

A school physical exam is required by most schools to check your child’s overall health before the start of a new academic year. Physical exams for school are a necessary part of maintaining a healthy community. If your child is attending a school in Los Angeles, book an appointment for a school physical at our Beverly Hills medical office to prepare your child before they go back to school.

Why are school physicals important?

Most schools want to make sure students are in good shape to participate in sports activities so they request a school or sports physical. If there are any health issues detected during your child’s physical, the school staff will be informed and become better prepared to provide special care for your child. Another important aspect of a kids physical exam is to make sure their vaccinations are up to date so that they are fully protected against infectious diseases that can be easily transmitted in classrooms or playgrounds. That’s why it’s ideal to book an appointment for a school physical during the spring or summer before the beginning of the next academic year.

What to expect

When your child comes in for a school physical, one of our experienced doctors will perform a full physical examination including the following:

  • Recording height and weight
  • Measuring blood pressure, heart rate, and pulse
  • Screening for hearing or vision problems
  • Examining ears, nose, and throat
  • Assessing spine alignment, posture, movement of joints, and muscle strength
  • Checking for signs of puberty (depending on your child’s age)
  • Checking your child’s immunization card and administering any necessary vaccines like influenza or chicken pox vaccine

How to prepare

As a parent, you should be ready to share your child’s medical history with the doctor. If your child has any existing conditions like diabetes, ADHD, or diagnosed allergies, point those out to the doctor. Your family history will also be discussed. Doctors keep track of any hereditary or serious illnesses that run through families and examine young children for early signs of those conditions.

If anything has changed in your child’s health since their last physical, clarify these changes as well. Don’t forget to bring a list of any medications your child is currently using; this data is valuable and will contribute to the doctor’s assessment of your child’s health. It’s also important to share with the doctor information about your child experiencing any of the following in the past:

  • Problems breathing
  • Feeling dizzy or fainting
  • Any previous injuries, attacks, or major infections
  • Any surgeries or hospitalizations

In addition, bring your child’s vaccination card with you so the doctor can check if there are any vaccines your child should receive before school starts.

If this is your child’s first school physical, it’s important to have a talk with your child about what happens at the doctor’s office beforehand. Your child should be aware of the doctor’s role, especially if your appointment includes a vaccine administration which can be stressful for some children.

As Seen On

Your-Concierge-MD-Clients