Sports Physicals in Columbus, OH

A sports physical, also called a pre-participation physical examination (PPE), is designed to ensure it’s safe for children, teens, and adults to participate in athletic activities. At Scioto Urgent Care, our goal is to protect the health and safety of student athletes and active individuals by providing a thorough and convenient evaluation.

During a sports physical, our providers begin with a detailed review of medical history, including past illnesses, surgeries, allergies, current medications, and any family history of conditions such as heart disease or sudden cardiac events. This information helps us identify possible health risks that could be triggered by sports participation.

The exam includes checking vital signs such as height, weight, and blood pressure, along with listening to the heart and lungs to detect murmurs, irregular rhythms, or breathing concerns. We also assess vision and evaluate strength, flexibility, posture, and joint health to spot musculoskeletal issues that could affect safe performance.

In addition, our team may discuss nutrition, hydration, training techniques, and injury prevention. For teens, topics like puberty, menstrual health, or supplement use may also be addressed. If concerns arise, we may recommend further testing or referral before clearing you for play.

At Scioto Urgent Care, we understand how important it is for student athletes to complete their sports physicals efficiently and thoroughly. A typical sports physical at our clinic usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes to complete, although the exact duration may vary based on your child’s medical history and any specific requirements from their sports organization.

During your visit, our experienced healthcare providers will review the athlete’s medical history, discuss any current or past health concerns, and conduct a comprehensive physical examination. This exam typically includes checking vital signs, assessing heart and lung function, evaluating joint flexibility, and performing a vision screening. If the athlete is healthy and no complications are identified, the process is usually straightforward and quick.

However, if any issues or questions arise, our team may recommend further discussion or additional testing, which could extend the appointment slightly. To help streamline your visit, we recommend arriving a few minutes early and bringing any required forms or previous medical records with you.

We are dedicated to providing prompt, thorough, and compassionate care to keep your athlete healthy and ready to play. Walk-ins are welcome, and we strive to make the process as convenient as possible for busy families.

If you’re scheduled for a sports physical at Scioto Urgent Care, being prepared helps make your visit smooth and efficient. Bringing the right items ensures our providers have all the information needed to clear you safely for athletic participation.

Here’s what to bring:

• Medical History Form: If your school or sports team provided a form, complete it ahead of time and bring it with you. This includes details about past illnesses, injuries, allergies, surgeries, and family medical history.

• List of Medications: Bring a written list of prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, or supplements you currently take so our team can review potential health considerations.

• Immunization Records: Up-to-date vaccination records are important. If you’re unsure, we can review your records and provide any necessary updates.

• Eyewear: If you wear glasses or contact lenses, bring them for the vision screening portion of your exam.

• Insurance Card and Identification: Please bring your insurance card for billing, along with a school ID, driver’s license, or another form of identification.

• Parental Consent: If you’re under 18, a parent or guardian must attend the appointment or provide written consent.

• Comfortable Clothing: Wear athletic shoes and clothing that allows you to move easily, as you may be asked to stretch or jog in place.

By bringing these items, you’ll help us conduct a thorough and efficient sports physical, ensuring you’re ready to safely enjoy your athletic activities.

We make it easy and convenient for students and athletes to get their sports physicals. Our clinic welcomes walk-in patients, so you don’t need to schedule an appointment in advance. Whether you have a busy schedule or need a last-minute physical before your sports season starts, our team is here to help.

We understand that demand for sports physicals can increase—especially during peak sports seasons—so we recommend calling ahead or checking our website for current wait times and availability. This way, you can plan your visit and minimize your wait.

When you come to Scioto Urgent Care for your sports physical, be sure to bring any required forms from your school or sports organization, as well as a list of your medical history and any medications you take. This helps us streamline your visit and ensures all necessary information is included.

If you have complex medical conditions or if your sports organization requires additional testing, our staff may suggest following up with your primary care provider for a more comprehensive evaluation.

A sports physical, also known as a pre-participation physical examination (PPE), is an essential step in making sure it is safe for children, teens, and adults to participate in athletic activities. At Scioto Urgent Care, we emphasize the importance of these exams because they help protect the health of athletes while also reducing the risk of injury during practice or competition.

During a sports physical, our providers review your medical history and perform a physical exam to identify potential health concerns that could affect safe participation. This process can reveal underlying conditions such as asthma, heart problems, or musculoskeletal issues that may need monitoring, treatment, or clearance from a specialist. Identifying risks before starting a sport helps prevent medical emergencies and ensures athletes are fully prepared for physical exertion.

Sports physicals also offer the opportunity to evaluate vision, flexibility, strength, and overall fitness. In addition, our providers may discuss nutrition, hydration, and injury prevention strategies tailored to the athlete’s age and sport. For younger athletes, conversations may include puberty, menstrual health, and supplement safety.

Board-certified Dr. William Rothe, M.D., provides comprehensive sports physicals to help athletes safely participate in their activities. He carefully reviews medical history, evaluates overall health, and checks for any conditions that may impact performance or increase injury risk. His focused approach ensures each patient receives an individualized assessment designed to support both safety and athletic goals.

At Scioto Urgent Care in Columbus, OH, Dr. William Rothe, M.D., offers trusted guidance for athletes of all ages. He takes time to answer questions, provide recommendations, and give clearance with confidence. By combining his medical expertise with a commitment to patient care, Dr. Rothe helps athletes prepare for the season ahead while promoting long-term health and wellness.

By completing a sports physical at Scioto Urgent Care, athletes gain peace of mind knowing they can participate safely, while parents and coaches benefit from reassurance that their team members are physically ready for the season. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 4760 Sawmill Road Columbus, OH 43235. We serve patients from Columbus OH, Dublin OH, Upper Arlington OH, Hilliard OH, Worthington OH, and surrounding areas.