Summer is here! While school is out, schedule your child's pediatric well-check exam and sports physical at Austin Regional Clinic (ARC).
We value providing convenient care for our patients. This means children can receive a well-check exam and sports physical during the same visit. If a child has already received a sports physical, ARC recommends returning for a well-check exam to receive a more comprehensive assessment of their physical and mental health, plus immunizations.
What are the differences between well-check exams and sports physicals?
Well-check exams
ARC Pediatrics offers well-check exams to address a child's growth and development and provide preventative care, including vaccinations and screenings. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all children from birth to 18 years of age undergo a well-check exam every year and stay updated on immunizations.
During well-check exams, a physician or advanced practice clinician (APC) will cover:
- Growth and development
- Health and safety
- Nutrition and physical fitness
- Teen topics, like puberty and acne
- Learning and behavioral questions
- Family and social concerns
- Immunization or vaccine updates
Sports physicals
A sports physical, also known as a pre-participation physical evaluation, is typically required by schools or sports organizations before a child can join a sports team or participate in organized physical activities.
Compared to well-check exams, sports physicals cover a very narrow area of health concerns related to a specific activity. Well-check exams at ARC typically address sports and UIL forms within the same visit.
During sports physicals, a physician or APC will review the child's medical history and provide a detailed assessment for risks during sports performance, including:
- Heart screening
- Head injury risk
- Evaluation of past injuries
Patients who had a checkup within the last year do not require a new sports physical appointment. Clinicians can complete their sports form paperwork based on the most recent well-check exam.
How to schedule a well-check appointment
Parents can conveniently schedule their child's well-check exam this summer by visiting ARC's website or calling today. ARC Pediatrics clinics may offer well-check visits in the evenings and on weekends during the summer. Online schedules will show if they are available.
- Book at ARC MyChart if the parent or legal guardian has proxy access to the child's account.
- Click BOOK NOW on the child's doctor or APC website bio page.
- Click BOOK NOW at ARCcheckup.com.
- Call 512-272-4636 for 24/7 phone scheduling services.
What to bring to your appointment
- Health insurance information
- Immunization record
- Camp and sports physical forms – your child's doctor or APC can sign these at your visit. Visit ARC's website to view sports physical UIL forms for local school districts.
- Yourself! Pediatric patients must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.