Pre-Participation Physical Exams for Athletes in Vancouver, WA
Pre-participation physicals and sports physicals are important. Students and recreational athletes need to get a qualified physical so they can more safely play sports and reduce their risk of injury or aggravated conditions. Many leagues and school districts require a physical before you can even participate.
At NW Testing Drug Screens & Physicals, we provide fast and convenient sports physicals and preparticipation physical evaluations so you can start playing. Learn more about why medical clearance is so important and how we can help.
Get Medical Clearance for Sports Participation
NW Testing serves people living in Vancouver, Washington, with drug testing and exams. Our medical team is committed to providing affordable services and accurate results through our comprehensive testing services. Over the past 14 years, we've built an expansive network of laboratories and facilities for fast screening and testing that satisfy requirements for schools, universities, recreational leagues, and other organizations. Our team is made up of dedicated professionals:
- Collection staff with National Drug & Alcohol Screening Association (NDASA) certification
- Board-certified Advanced Registered Family Nurse Practitioner on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME)
- A Certified Occupational Hearing Conservationist (COHC) on staff for audiometric exams
Get everything you need for complete medical clearance in one place. Our preparticipation physical evaluations include sports physicals, school entry physicals, physicals for camp and summer programs, and more, as well as exams for professional requirements.
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Levels of Clearance
Many organizations require a physical exam to qualify you for different levels of participation. This can help sports administrators ensure they have the right resources on-site and minimize the risk of medical emergencies or long-term injuries. As a result of your exam, you'll receive one of the following levels of clearance:
- Unconditional clearance to play all sports and participate in all activities
- Clearance, but with a recommendation to follow up on certain tests or potential conditions
- Not cleared, but clearance status can be revised with additional evaluation or treatment
- No clearance, with the examinee not cleared for any physical activity
These categories can vary slightly based on the requirements and applicable regulations for a given sports league or activity.
Sports Physical and Pre-Participation Physicals
If this is your first sports physical or preparation physical evaluation, not knowing what to expect can make the experience stressful. Get answers to these commonly asked questions:
Does insurance pay for sports physicals?
Most insurance providers pay for sports physicals, but all plans are different. You can call your insurance provider to learn more about what is and is not covered for yourself and for dependents. Our team can also talk to you about out-of-pocket costs to provide more pricing information.
What does a sports physical consist of?
A pre-participation physical exam for sports participation can include some or all of the following:
- Assessment of past injuries, surgeries, and conditions, as well as current medications and dietary supplements
- Consultation regarding family history
- General physical exam, which can include an examination of vital signs, vision, cardiovascular system, height, weight, and general neurology
- Evaluations for sports-specific risks
As a result of the examination, your medical services provider can make recommendations or clear you for sports.
How to Prepare for a Pre-Participation Physical Exam
Preparing for a sports physical is simple. All you need to do is gather information about your medical history and any current medications or supplements you take. It's also important to be hydrated and to wear comfortable clothing. Depending on the sport you want to play, you might bring in equipment like eyewear to include in your evaluation.
What forms will I need to fill out and have ready?
Every organization will require different paperwork. Bring in the proper form for your state and any school- or league-specific paperwork that needs to be completed.
If you have questions or want to schedule your sports physical today, contact our office to schedule a fast and affordable appointment.
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