Back-to-school physicals
Back-to-school physicals, checkups and other exams: Get your child ready to learn, grow and play sports
Your child’s health and well-being are keys to success inside and outside the classroom. When your child feels their best, they’re a better learner and player. In fact, studies show that good health can lead to higher academic achievement, improved performance in activities and sports, and better behavior in kids.
So, what better way to help your child take on the next school year than by getting them in for all their school checkups? HealthPartners makes it simple and convenient to schedule back-to-school physicals. Learn what appointment types you may need and where you can take your child for a school physical.
There are different types of back-to-school physicals to fit your child’s needs – and multiple primary care clinic locations that make getting in for a visit easy and convenient. Get started by choosing the right type of appointment for your child.
Well-child checkups focus on kids’ total health and well-being – and they’re usually 100% covered by insurance. They make sure your child’s growth and development are on track, their mental health is good, their immunizations are up to date, and they’re fit to participate in sports and activities. If your school-aged child hasn’t had an annual exam in the last year, make a well-child appointment (and bring any sports forms you need signed).
If your child has already had their annual well-child visit, but they need to catch up on vaccines, or you’re participating in the No Shots, No School program, an immunization-only appointment is the way to go. These visits are scheduled directly with the nurses who administer all the shots, and often take less than 15 minutes.
Children 6 months old and older are eligible for a bivalent COVID-19 vaccine. Depending on your child’s age, vaccination status and health, your child may need one or more bivalent doses. Talk with your doctor about the best option for your child. Vaccination appointments can be scheduled online or by calling one of our primary care clinic locations.
Back-to-school physicals: Cost and insurance coverage
Well-child checkups and back-to-school physicals, including sports physicals, are considered types of preventive care – the care we get to check in on our health outside of specific events like sickness or injury. Preventive care appointments are typically 100% covered by insurance. If you don’t have insurance, the cost can vary, but it’s often around $40-$60. Those numbers may be different depending on your location and any additional services that come up based on the results of the examination.
Concerned about the time or costs it takes to get your child vaccinated? Participate in No Shots, No School.
The No Shots, No School program makes it possible for your child to get immunized, whether you have health insurance or not, at no direct charge to you. And your child doesn’t need to be a HealthPartners patient.
Is your child all caught up on well-child visits, but you need a form signed for a sport or activity? We’ve got you covered.
Getting sports physical forms signed by your child’s doctor is easy. Just fill out the parent portion of the form, then drop the form off at your child’s clinic. When you drop the form off, tell us if you’d like to pick the form up when it’s ready or have it mailed to you – whichever is most convenient. That’s it!
Getting your child back-to-school-ready doesn’t end with a physical exam or getting caught up on vaccinations. Eye and dental health are really important, too. Schedule now by selecting an option below.