Athletic physicals available by appointment

  • Published
  • 82nd Medical Group
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Students who plan to play on a school sports team are required by the University Interscholastic League rules to have a completed physical prior to the first day of practice.

For students in the local area, practice typically begins two to three weeks prior to the start date of school. Wichita Falls and surrounding areas are scheduled to start on Aug. 23. In addition to local school requirements, children playing fall sports for the Madrigal Youth Center or local athletic leagues will also need clearance.

If your child has had a physical in the past 12 months, no appointment is needed. Drop off the UIL or youth center forms at the front desk in Pediatrics and the staff will ensure your paperwork is signed. This typically takes three to four duty days. If you are unsure of the date of the child's last physical exam, call 676-6777 and staff will provide you with the information.

For those without physicals in the past 12 months, appointments can be scheduled up to 28 days in advance. During the summer months, these appointments fill up quickly. This year, the 82nd Medical Group will test a new program to assist families in completing the requirements for sports clearance.

During the month of July, the clinic will offer increased access to physicals with appointments available in Family Health Clinic on July 15, 20 and 29 as well as more access available in Pediatrics. As a reminder, although we have increased the number of well visits in our schedule, we also have a responsibility to see children with other needs and therefore will not be able to change appointment types later in the summer to accommodate those families who choose to wait until closer to school starting. Please seek your physical sooner rather than later.

Some reminders about physical appointments:
- These are strictly for well children.
- No medication refills or referrals will be given by a non-pediatric provider.
- Please bring your sports form with all of the patient/parent information completed.
- Patients will need to arrive 15-20 minutes early in order to complete the other forms required. Forms are also available at the clinic ahead of time if you wish to complete them before the visit.

Call today to set up an appointment at 676-1847. Appointments can be scheduled up to 28 days in advance. Please plan accordingly so that your child does not have to miss practice awaiting a visit.