Sports Physicals

Why are physical exams important?

From your newborn days to your senior years, physical exams are an important part of your health. Physical exams are a dedicated time you have with your doctor to discuss any changes in your health. They’re important to:

• Check for proper childhood development
• Look for warning signs of chronic disease
• Check for conditions that run in families
• Help you maintain your weight
• Manage chronic conditions

Above all, physicals are a time to build a relationship with your primary care physician. This allows you to have someone to call in case you (or your child) become ill or injured.

What happens during a physical exam?

Houston Internal Medicine Associates PA provides all types of physical exams, so the tests and screenings you need depend on your age and overall health. It’s common for physical examinations to include:

• Immunization updates
• Vision and hearing tests
• Mental health evaluation
• Neurological and reflex testing
• Family and personal medical history updates
• Lab tests, including urinalysis and blood draw
• Weight and height check (body mass index or BMI calculation)

Aside from routine wellness exams, the practice offers Department of Transportation (DOT), immigration, school, and sports physicals. These specialty evaluations typically require additional screenings.

What do I bring to a physical exam?

The team at Houston Internal Medicine Associates PA wants to ensure you get the most out of your upcoming physical exam. To help you prepare, you may need to ensure you have certain documents in order. Depending on which type of physical therapy you or your child requires, you may need to bring in any of the following:

• Printout of school or sports physical forms
• Current government-issued identification
• I-693 form (for immigration physicals)
• List of all medications
• Insurance card

If you have been seeing another physician or are new to the practice, try to request your medical records before your scheduled physical at Houston Internal Medicine Associates PA. You can either obtain copies of medical records yourself or have your records sent directly to the clinic.

Book your physical exam at Houston Internal Medicine Associates PA by phone or request one online today.