Why School Physicals at Urgent Care Express Are a Smarter Option

Summer is here and for school-aged kids that means no school, no homework and—hopefully—some unscheduled time to unwind and have fun. For parents, however, it signals another annual ritual: getting your child ready for a new school year. 

In addition to outfitting your child with new clothes and school supplies, you must schedule an appointment with their doctor; fill out school forms; take them for the required vaccinations and physical exam; submit the forms to the school; and, if necessary, follow up on any conditions noted during your child’s physical.  

Whew! Tired yet? 

Uncovering Hidden Health Concerns 

Gianna Francis, PA-C, a physician assistant with Baptist Health Urgent Care Express, says Baptist Health’s network of Urgent Care Express locations across South Florida are a smart option for harried parents, especially those with more than one child.  

“We’re a convenient, quick and affordable alternative to long waits at your regular physician or pediatrician’s office,” Ms. Francis says. 

A standard school or sports physical includes a complete head-to toe clinical examination, according to Ms. Francis.  

“We look at their general health, we perform vision and hearing screenings and we do a complete review of their medical history,” she says. “This can uncover any hidden health concerns that may prevent your child from safely enjoying their upcoming school year.” 

Screening for Other Issues 

Florida law now requires a screening electrocardiogram (EKG) as part of all sports physicals, which Ms. Francis says should help ease the minds of concerned parents. For regular school physicals, an EKG can be added at the request of the parent or provider.  

The school physical form also requires screening students for anxiety and depression, says Ms. Francis. “If they screen positive, the provider will discuss this more in depth and recommend next steps for further evaluation and treatment.” 

What Else You Should Know 

To make your child’s school physical easier and allow for ample time with the provider, Ms. Francis offers this advice: “I recommend filling out the parent portion on the forms provided by your child’s school before you arrive. And please remember to bring them with you so the provider can review all of your child’s relevant personal and family history during the visit.”  

Also, Ms. Francis says to remember to bring a photo ID, if available, an insurance card and a medication list or medical history. At the end of the visit, all required forms are completed and returned to the parent, she adds. 

School physical exams at Baptist Health Urgent Care Express start at just $25 per child, Ms. Francis says. “If a screening EKG is recommended by the provider, the combined cost for both the exam and EKG is $75. You can either start your check-in online or just walk in. We’ll be able to take care of you either way.” 

Keeping Your Child Healthy at School 

Once your child is cleared for school or sports, or both, Ms. Francis says keeping them healthy while they’re in school is important, too. And that can be a challenge, she acknowledges. 

“First and foremost, make sure your child is up to date with their vaccines," she says. "To help prevent colds and other respiratory illnesses when they return to school, remind them to wash their hands frequently throughout the day. Schools are common environments for germ spread, particularly in classrooms, locker rooms, cafeterias and restrooms."

An Opportunity to Assess Your Child’s Health  

Ms. Francis says that getting your child ready to head back to school can be stressful but the annual physical exam is an important opportunity to assess their overall health before they begin another year.  

“It’s a chance to make sure your child is healthy and to identify any conditions that may require referral to a Baptist Health specialist,” she says. “We’re here to help and we try to make it as convenient as possible for you.” 

School physical exams start at just $25 and sports physical exams with EKG start at $75 and are offered at all Baptist Health Urgent Care Express locations, open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Click here for more information and to find a location near you.