Lincoln Public Schools and most surrounding community schools require a school physical exam to assess your child’s overall health before they can attend school or play sports.
SCHOOL PHYSICAL INFORMATION
All children entering Kindergarten must have a school physical, including a health exam that checks vision, hearing, height, weight, vital signs such as blood pressure and pulse, and ensures updated vaccines are received. The physical exam can take place anytime between March 1st in the calendar year before the child starts school and the first day of school. This ensures your child is healthy and ready for school entry. Documentation will be provided and must be returned to the school.
All adolescents entering 7th grade must also have a physical examination, including updated vaccines and a full check of their physical health, to meet school year requirements. This exam must also occur anytime between March 1st and the first day of school.
SPORTS PARTICIPATION INFORMATION
A sports physical or Sports Clearance Evaluation is a brief physical exam that focuses on a child’s ability to safely participate in sports, school sports, or sports camp activities. This pre-participation physical is not a replacement for the annual wellness visit with your primary care provider.
The Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA) requires that a sports physical form be completed after May 1st of the summer prior to the upcoming sports season.
If your child’s annual wellness check does not fall within this timeframe, we offer a Sports Clearance Evaluation—an exam designed to evaluate a student athlete’s physical health, heart, lungs, ears, nose, and throat, and review family medical history and any health issues that could affect safe participation.
We recommend checking with your health insurance provider to determine if the cost of the evaluation is covered. Many commercial plans don’t cover a second annual wellness visit, so we offer a same-day discounted rate of $75 for this urgent care-style evaluation, paid at the time of service.
The Sports Clearance Evaluation focuses on clearing your child for physical activity and is conducted by an advanced practice provider. It is not meant to address unrelated health concerns or medical problems.
If you have additional concerns, please schedule a separate appointment with your primary care provider. Your provider can then offer a sports clearance at that time if it’s appropriate.
Sports Participation Evaluation Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: My child is due for an annual physical exam after May 1st. Do they still need a separate sports clearance evaluation?
A: No. If the primary care provider or healthcare provider completes the annual physical after May 1st, they will also fill out the sports clearance form during that visit—provided it’s safe for your child to play sports.
Q: My child had their wellness visit in February. Can they just schedule another one for sports clearance?
A: Not usually. Most commercial insurances only cover one wellness visit every 365 days. You may instead schedule a Sports Clearance Evaluation at our urgent care center, or contact your insurance to clarify their policy. Medicaid does allow an additional visit in this case.
Q: Does Medicaid cover sports clearance visits?
A: Yes! Medicaid allows for an additional school sports clearance physical if needed.
Q: What happens if my insurance doesn’t cover the sports clearance?
A: If you choose to bill your insurance and they deny it, you’ll be responsible for the charge.
Q: What if my child has chest pain or another health concern during the exam and is not cleared?
A: If a medical issue (e.g., heart murmur, abnormal blood pressure, etc.) is found, we’ll change the visit type and bill it as a medical evaluation. Your care provider will start further evaluation. The $75 sports clearance fee is credited toward your copay or deductible.
Q: What does the Sports Clearance Evaluation include?
A: Your child will complete a health history questionnaire, and the provider will perform a physical exam—including checks of heart, lungs, blood pressure, pulse, and strength/flexibility. If cleared, a sports physical form is provided for school.
Q: Can my child get vaccines at the time of their sports clearance exam?
A: Yes! We believe vaccines are an important part of your child’s overall health, and your child may receive them during any visit including school physicals, sports physicals, or even psychology visits if due.
Q: My child plays for a club team. Do they need a school sports physical?
A: Club sports don’t usually follow NSAA guidelines. If your child is up to date on their annual physical, we can use the most recent one to complete the sports clearance form.
Q: My child has asthma and needs clearance to participate in sports. What kind of visit should I schedule?
A: You may schedule either a sports clearance or an asthma recheck visit. If the asthma is well-controlled and the health care provider deems it safe, the form will be completed.
Q: My teenager has other medical concerns but also needs sports clearance. What should I do?
A: Please schedule an appointment to address the medical issue (e.g., abdominal pain, behavioral concerns). If they’re cleared for physical activity, we’ll also complete the sports clearance form.