If your child or teen plans to participate in summer camps or fall sports, now’s the time to schedule a well check at Sunset! When we say well check, we don’t mean a sports physical because the two are quite different. Let’s go over the differences, and why you should consider a regular well visit to make sure your young athlete is healthy enough to play!

A sports physical is a very limited exam that only focuses on a patient’s current and past medical conditions, which might affect sports participation.

During a regular well check, we assess your child’s overall health and well-being, addressing many topics and concerns that a sports physical would skip. We’re talking important things like growth, development, puberty, immunizations, academics, sexual activity, and social-emotional issues. And we’ll answer any questions you or your child may have regarding health and wellness.

Here at Sunset Pediatrics, we want your child to be at his or her healthiest, and happiest, too! Regular well checks help ensure that kids are growing and developing as they should. And they are more thorough, allowing us a chance to find and address concerns early, not just those related to sports.

Annual well checks are 100% covered by most insurance plans, and fulfill the requirements of a sports physical.

If your child has been seen for a well check within the past year and has no major medical concerns, we will complete and sign the physician portion of the participation forms. Parents or students must first complete their portion.  Please contact our office if you have questions or would like to schedule your child’s well check!

This blog is not a substitute for medical advice. Be sure to talk to your child’s medical provider with any questions.