If your child had a sports physical for an organized activity, do they still need an annual well-check exam? The short answer is yes! Here's why.
Well-check exams
A well-check exam focuses on maintaining your child's health and is a time to discuss preventive care. You can also complete your sports and camp physicals at your visit.
What your doctor will cover:
- Growth and development.
- Immunization updates.
- Health and safety.
- Nutrition and physical fitness.
- Teen topics like puberty and acne.
- Discuss learning and behavioral questions.
- Family and social concerns.
Child well-check exams serve to monitor growth and development, provide preventive healthcare such as vaccinations and screenings, address parental concerns, and promote healthy habits. Learn more about well-check exams.
Sports physicals
A sports physical, also known as a pre-participation physical evaluation, is typically required by schools or sports organizations before a child can join a sports team or participate in organized physical activities.
While both a sports physical and a well-child check involve assessing a child's health, there are some key differences between the two:
- Focus: Well-checks focus on overall health; sports physicals focus on sports readiness.
- Depth: Sports physicals are more targeted, while well-checks are comprehensive.
ARC pediatricians and advanced practice clinicians (APCs) will review and sign the UIL forms for your child's school district at their well-check exam.
When should you schedule a well-check exam?
ARC Pediatricians and Family Medicine doctors follow the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation for routine well-check exams. For children ages 6-18, annual exams are recommended. For school-aged children, summers are a great time to schedule your well-check exam.
Here is the complete list of recommended visits.
Make an appointment today
You can schedule a well-check exam in the following ways:
- Book at ARC MyChart if you have proxy access to your child's account.
- Click BOOK NOW on your doctor's or APC's website bio page.
- Click BOOK NOW at ARCcheckup.com.
- Call 512-272-4636 for 24/7 phone scheduling services.