How often does my child need to see a doctor?

Most children are relatively healthy, so we recommend they see a doctor once a year to review their growth and development. Annual check-ups allow the doctor to track your child's growth patterns, monitor their development, and address any emerging health issues early on. It's also a great opportunity to update any necessary vaccinations and provide preventative care to ensure your child stays healthy throughout the year.

Is there a difference between an annual and a camp physical?

Yes, there is a difference. An annual physical is a comprehensive review of your child's overall health and wellness. It includes a detailed examination, medical history review, and necessary vaccinations. On the other hand, a camp or sports physical is more focused on ensuring your child is healthy enough to participate in specific activities. It evaluates their physical fitness and looks for any conditions that might limit their ability to engage in sports or recreational activities. For your convenience, AllCare can provide an annual and camp physical in one visit, addressing both needs at once.

Do I need to prepare my child for what to expect at their physical?

It's always a good idea to have a conversation with your child about their appointment. Explain that the doctor will check their height, weight, and overall health to make sure they are growing properly and are healthy. This helps your child feel more in control and less anxious about the visit. You can also discuss the importance of staying healthy and how the doctor is there to help them. This preparation helps build trust between you, your child, and the primary care physician, making the experience more comfortable for everyone.

What happens if my child’s physical reveals a problem?

If the physical exam reveals any health concerns, our AllCare physicians will take the necessary steps to address them. This may include performing additional tests, such as blood tests or X-rays, to gather more information. Depending on the findings, we may discuss lifestyle changes, provide treatment recommendations, or prescribe medication. Our goal is to ensure that any potential health issues are identified and managed promptly to keep your child healthy and active.

Is my child required to get a physical?

Annual physical exams for kids have numerous benefits. They provide an opportunity to monitor your child's growth and development, as well as detect potential emotional, mental, and physical delays. Children may need physical exams before attending camp or participating in sports, ensuring your child’s fitness levels are strong enough for activities like swimming, hiking, and biking. A thorough physical can also detect underlying conditions, allowing your child to receive proper treatment so they can have a safe and enjoyable experience.

What to expect at your child’s physical exam?

During your child’s school or camp physical, an AllCare doctor will perform a thorough examination to ensure they are healthy and ready for physical activities. This includes reviewing your child’s medical history, vaccination records, and conducting a detailed physical exam. The doctor will check vital signs, examine the eyes, ears, nose, throat, heart, lungs, abdomen, and limbs. We will also complete any necessary forms and provide guidance on milestones, nutrition, physical activity, and overall health.

How long is a sports physical good for?

A sports physical is typically valid for one year. This means your child must undergo a new physical exam each year to ensure they are in good health and physically fit to participate in sports or recreational activities. Be sure to check with your child’s school or sports organization, as specific requirements may vary.

DISCOVER OUR School and Camp Physical EXAMS

School and Camp Physicals

Many schools and camps require a physical to confirm your child is healthy, up-to-date on screenings, and prepared for upcoming activities. At AllCare, our providers complete detailed school and camp physicals that check growth, development, and any program-specific health needs. With flexible appointment scheduling and walk-ins available across Virginia, Washington D.C., and Maryland, getting your child ready for school or camp is simple, convenient, and close by.

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WHO NEEDS A School and Camp PHYSICAL

Our Approach to Physicals School and Camp

A sports physical plays an important role in keeping athletes of all ages safe—whether you’re gearing up for your first season or returning to a sport you’ve played for years. While it’s not a substitute for your routine wellness exam, a sports physical focuses specifically on making sure your body can handle athletic activity. This exam is especially helpful if you’ve had past injuries, manage conditions like asthma, or are easing back into exercise.

At AllCare, your sports physical includes checking vital signs like blood pressure, heart rate, and weight, as well as a careful evaluation of your heart, lungs, joints, and muscles. We also take a look at skin concerns, allergies, or anything else that may affect your performance or safety. If we identify something that needs follow-up, we’ll connect you with one of our primary care providers for next steps. It’s a simple, reassuring way to confirm you’re ready for the season ahead.

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Our School and Camp Physical Services

Physical Examination

During a sports physical, your provider will perform a full exam to make sure you’re healthy and safe to participate. This includes checking vital signs like heart rate, breathing, and temperature. They’ll also carefully assess your heart, lungs, abdomen, skin, and overall physical function to look for anything that may need attention. If something requires a closer look, we’ll guide you to a primary care provider for follow-up care.

Vision and Hearing Screening

School and camp physicals often include simple vision and hearing screenings to ensure your child can see the board, follow instructions, and stay safe during daily activities. These tests help identify any concerns early so treatment can begin promptly if needed. Catching issues ahead of time helps your child feel confident, prepared, and ready for a successful school year or camp experience.

Immunization

We’ll check that your child’s vaccines are current and meet school or camp requirements. If anything is missing, we’ll guide you on what’s needed to stay compliant and protected.

Medical History Review

Your provider will go over your child’s past illnesses, injuries, allergies, medications, and any chronic conditions. This helps ensure they’re healthy and safe for school or camp activities.

When should my child get their school or camp physical?

It’s important to time your child’s school or camp physical so you have everything completed before forms are due. While most programs require a physical within the last 12 months, there are a few key things to keep in mind when planning ahead:

Check your program’s requirements. Some schools or camps may have specific deadlines or forms.
Aim for a visit a few weeks before the start date to avoid last-minute scheduling issues.
Leave time for immunizations in case your child needs updates to meet requirements.
Plan around your family’s schedule, especially during busy back-to-school and pre-camp seasons.
Allow extra time for follow-up if your provider identifies anything that needs attention.

By scheduling early, you can make sure all paperwork is completed, any vaccine updates are handled, and your child is fully cleared for a safe, healthy, and successful start to school or camp.

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Online Doctor Visits and Telehealth Services

Experience the convenience of telehealth appointments at AllCare. Our telemedicine services are designed to provide you with seamless access to healthcare without the need to leave your home. Whether you need an online doctor’s appointment for immediate or primary care, AllCare’s got you covered. With our online telehealth services currently available to individuals located in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., you can connect with our experienced immediate and primary care physicians via secure video calls.

At AllCare, we are expanding our virtual healthcare access to all services previously offered in person. This includes:

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Frequently Asked Questions About School and Camp Physicals

01 Do I need to bring anything to the appointment?

Yes. To make the visit smooth and ensure all forms can be completed, bring your child’s school or camp health paperwork, their vaccination record, and a list of any medications, allergies, or ongoing medical conditions. This helps your provider get an accurate picture of your child’s health and meet all program requirements.

02 Can my child get vaccines during the physical if needed?

In most cases, yes. If your child is due for required immunizations, the provider can usually administer them during the same visit. If a vaccine isn’t available that day, your provider will direct you to the best place to get it completed before school or camp starts.

03 How much does a school or camp physical cost?

The cost can vary depending on your insurance coverage and the type of physical required. Many insurance plans cover routine physicals, but some programs may have specific forms or requirements that fall outside standard coverage. If you’re unsure, you can call your local AllCare office ahead of time to get a clear estimate and confirm what your insurance includes.

04 Do I need an appointment for a school or camp physical?

You can schedule a visit in advance or take advantage of walk-in availability at many AllCare locations. While walk-ins are convenient, booking an appointment is the best way to avoid wait times—especially during the busy back-to-school and pre-camp seasons. Scheduling ahead also ensures you have enough time for forms, follow-up questions, or additional services like vaccines.

STATES WHERE WE SERVE PRIMARY AND IMMEDIATE CARE

School & Camp Physicals in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C.

At AllCare, we’re proud to deliver exceptional primary and immediate care to residents across Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C. From bustling city centers to serene suburban neighborhoods, our clinics are strategically placed for your convenience and care. Experience top-tier school and camp physicals in your community with AllCare, where your health is our priority.

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

WASHINGTON DC

Prioritize your health today: schedule your school physical appointment

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Related Services

Our related healthcare services extend beyond immediate care to include preventive care such as routine physical exams, chronic disease management for conditions like diabetes, and specialty care referrals for more complex health issues.