School Physicals

When are school physicals necessary?

School physicals are necessary for students who attend schools that require health screenings. In Maryland, most schools require students six and older to undergo a school physical every two years.

It’s a good idea to schedule a school physical regularly, even if your child isn’t required to have one. Many childhood health problems develop slowly and present few apparent symptoms. 

How do I prepare my child for a school physical?

Preparing for a school physical is easy. Encourage your child to wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothes that let them move around, and gather the following information:

• Health insurance card
• Results from any recent tests, like blood work or X-rays
• Names of the vitamins, supplements, and medications your child takes
• Questions or concerns about your child’s health you’d like to discuss
• A list of injuries or conditions your child has been diagnosed with

In addition, bring any paperwork your child needs to submit to the school administration. After a school physical, your child’s provider signs off on the documents so you can submit them before the start of the new school year. 

What do school physicals involve?

At Arundel Medical Group, Inc., school physicals take 30-45 minutes.

Your child’s provider:

• Reviews their medical records
• Measures their height, weight, blood pressure, and pulse
• Tests their vision
• Checks their reflexes
• Assess the function of their internal organs
• Checks their joints, posture, flexibility, and muscle strength

Next, your child’s provider orders lab work, including blood tests and urinalysis, updates their vaccinations, and refills prescription medication if needed. 

Your child’s provider also asks questions about their lifestyle, including the type of food they eat, if they drink alcohol or use tobacco, and how often they exercise.

At the end of a school physical, your child’s Arundel Medical Group, Inc. provider signs off on the paperwork to submit to your child’s school. 

What if a school physical finds a medical issue?

Suppose your child’s school physical uncovers an underlying medical issue. In that case, their Arundel Medical Group, Inc. provider develops a personalized treatment plan to prevent it from worsening. They might also order additional tests, like X-rays, an ultrasound, or an MRI.

Call Arundel Medical Group, Inc., to schedule a school physical for your child or book an appointment online today.