Sports Physicals

If your child or teen plans to participate in school or club athletics, they’ll need a sports physical before the season begins. Also known as a preparticipation physical exam (PPE), this visit ensures that athletes are healthy enough to compete safely. At Genesis Personal Healthcare Medicine, a telemedicine practice in New York City, the experienced primary care specialists can streamline your sports physical and ensure that each athlete gets world-class medical attention so nothing slips through the cracks. Start the sports physical process by calling the office or booking online today.

What are sports physicals?

A sports physical is a medical exam that determines if it’s safe to participate in organized athletics. They screen for underlying health concerns that could increase the risk of injury or complications, including:

• Heart conditions
• Breathing disorders like asthma
• History of concussions
• Joint or musculoskeletal problems
• Previous injuries
• Chronic medical conditions

Student-athletes typically need an annual exam.

How do sports physicals work with telehealth?

While the physical exam portion must be completed in person, your telehealth provider can go over your child’s medical history, discuss prior injuries or surgeries, and review medications and allergies.

Then, they can:

• Schedule an in-person exam at an affiliated clinic
• Provide referral documentation
• Ensure that the required school or state forms are ready
• Minimize time spent during the on-site appointment

With this thorough preparation completed, the in-person visit is more streamlined.

What happens at a sports physical?

The in-person portion typically includes:

• Height and weight measurement
• Blood pressure check
• Vision screening
• Heart and lung exam
• Abdominal exam
• Joint flexibility and strength assessment
• Posture and spine evaluation

After the evaluation, the provider clears your child for full participation, clears them with recommendations (e.g., brace use, asthma inhaler on hand), or determines they’re not cleared pending further evaluation. Most healthy athletes are cleared without restrictions.

What happens if sports physicals reveal a problem?

If concerns arise (like elevated blood pressure, asthma symptoms, or prior concussions), your telehealth provider can:

• Order additional testing
• Coordinate specialist referrals
• Adjust medications
• Provide clearance letters once conditions are under control

Telehealth reduces the stress of the sports physical process by offering faster appointment availability, reduced paperwork delays, and ongoing management of chronic conditions.

If your family is juggling school, work, and practices, virtual visits save valuable time while maintaining high-quality medical oversight.

When should I schedule a sports physical?

It’s best to schedule sports physicals at least 6-8 weeks before the season begins, or early in the summer for fall sports. They’re also necessary before starting a new sport, after a significant injury, or after a health change.

Early scheduling ensures that you have time for additional testing if needed.

If your child needs clearance for an upcoming sports season, schedule a telehealth preparticipation visit by phone or request one online today, and let Genesis Personal Healthcare Medicine help you stay ahead of the game.