Cost of Sports Physical Exams in Oklahoma City, OK

Our process starts by collecting the athlete’s medical history, including information about any current and past medical conditions, medications, injuries, and surgeries. We also take into account any past sports injuries and the family history of illnesses or conditions to understand any potential genetic risks.

Our doctors conduct a thorough physical examination to measure vital signs such as height, weight, blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature. We also conduct musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, and neurological assessments. This includes an evaluation of joint stability and strength and a gait and running analysis.

Depending on the athlete’s needs, our cardiovascular evaluation might include an electrocardiogram (ECG) to detect arrhythmias or cardiac abnormalities and an optional stress test to assess cardiovascular fitness and response to exercise. We also include lung function testing (spirometry) to measure lung capacity and airflow and examination of upper and lower respiratory passages.

Additional tests, such as vision and hearing screenings, urine analysis, and optional blood tests to assess overall health, can also be conducted. For male athletes, we may also examine the genitals to check for hernias or testicular cancer.

Based on our findings, our physicians will provide medical clearance for the athlete to participate in specific sports. We may also recommend training or conditioning programs, injury prevention strategies, nutrition and hydration guidelines, and sports-specific equipment or modifications.

Sports physicals are a critical part of our services. Our team is well-versed in performing these physicals, which are designed to determine an athlete’s readiness to participate in sports activities. We evaluate the athlete’s medical history and physical conditions that might affect their safe participation in sports, focusing particularly on the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems. We also perform specific assessments related to the sport, such as vision and depth perception, cardiovascular fitness, and musculoskeletal strength and flexibility.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a comprehensive health check-up, we also offer regular physical examinations. These exams involve a broad assessment of your overall health, disease screening, routine vaccinations, and fitness assessment. We also engage in discussions about your lifestyle choices like diet, physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption, which can significantly impact your health. Our aim is to help you maintain your health and prevent diseases before they start.

While sports physicals provide clearance for athletes to participate in their chosen sports, regular physicals provide a detailed overview of your health status, including necessary recommendations and follow-ups. It’s crucial to remember that a sports physical should not replace a regular physical or wellness exam, given its specific and limited scope.

We cater to the needs of both athletes requiring sports physicals and individuals needing regular physicals. While sports physicals may be covered by athletic organizations, regular physicals are typically covered by health insurance.

We understand the importance of sports physicals, also known as pre-participation physical examinations (PPE), in maintaining the health and performance of athletes of all ages. The frequency at which one should undergo a sports physical is determined by various factors, including age, health, level of sports participation, and specific healthcare guidelines.

Age and Activity Level:

● Children and adolescents: If your young ones are active in sports, particularly those involving physical contact or high-impact activities, we recommend having a sports physical at our facilities once a year. This allows us to assess their physical health, fitness level, and potential health risks. Remember, some schools or sports organizations may require sports physicals before each sports season.

● Adult: Adult patients engaged in recreational or competitive sports should consider getting a sports physical at our clinics every 2-3 years.

● Elite athletes: Those participating in competitive or professional sports typically require more frequent physicals, which we can schedule according to your sport and training schedule.

Specific Health Concerns:

● Pre-existing conditions: Athletes with chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes, may need more frequent physicals. Our healthcare providers can offer personalized advice based on your medical history and current health status.

● Injury history: If you have a history of injuries, we may recommend additional physicals to assess your recovery and readiness for resuming activity.

Guidelines from Healthcare Organizations:

● American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): Endorses annual physicals for children and adolescents participating in sports, a practice we uphold at Immediate Care of Oklahoma.

● American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM): Suggests sports physicals every 2-3 years for adults, a guideline we follow at our clinics.

● National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA): Advocates for more frequent physicals for elite athletes, a practice we can accommodate at Immediate Care of Oklahoma.

Additional Considerations:

● School requirements: We understand many schools require sports physicals before the start of each season and we’re ready to help fulfill this requirement.

● Personal preference: Athletes who have concerns about any health issues or changes in their physical condition may choose to get a sports physical more frequently at our facilities.

The cost of a sports physical can vary depending on several factors. These factors include the specific services provided during the physical and whether the patient has insurance coverage.

Some insurance plans cover sports physicals as part of preventive care, while others don’t. We recommend that athletes or parents check with their insurance provider to understand what is covered and what out-of-pocket costs they might expect.

We strive to offer our services at an affordable rate. The average cost for a sports physical at our walk-in clinic or urgent care center is typically between $25 to $60, making it a cost-effective option for families.

For families facing financial hardship, there are resources available to help cover the costs of sports physical. Some schools, clubs, and community centers in Oklahoma offer free or low-cost sports physicals at specific times of the year. Community Health Centers and the Oklahoma State Department of Health also provide assistance programs for low-income families to cover health screenings and services, including sports physicals.

At Immediate Care of Oklahoma, we are committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable athletic experience for all. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We serve patients from West Moore OK, Norman (HealthPlex) OK, Norman (24th) OK, Edmond OK, Yukon OK, I-240 & Sooner RD OK, Tecumseh OK, Bethany OK and surrounding areas.