Beat the back-to-school rush, schedule your well-child check and sports physical

This blog was updated in May 2025.

Although it feels like summer has just started, back-to-school time is just around the corner.

Before heading back to school or starting a sport, children need well-child checks and sports physicals. Beat the rush and schedule your child’s exam today!

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about your combined well-child check and sports physical

How long will the well-child check and sports physical take?

We combine both the well-child check and sports physical into one visit, so your child’s provider can assess their overall health and sports readiness at the same time.

This approach provides a more complete picture of your child’s well-being. You can expect your appointments to take only between 30 to 45 minutes at any of our 9 primary care clinics.

Do student-athletes need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the exam?

All minors need to be accompanied by a guardian, unless parents have signed an annual waiver for minors who drive themselves to be seen independently.

What should I bring to a Children’s Minnesota well-child check and sports physical?

To help us make the most of your 2-in-1 visit, we recommend bringing:

Any questions or concerns you have about your child’s physical or mental health
Paperwork required for sports, camps, or school activities
A list of medications your child takes—or even better, photos of the medication bottles

Remember: Talking with your child’s provider about any concerns helps us make the most of your visit, addressing your child’s overall health and completing the sports clearance, all in one convenient appointment.

Can my child get a well-child check and sports physical through walk-in care?

We recommend making an appointment for your child’s 2-in-1 well-child check and sports physical. You can view our full list of clinic locations to schedule an appointment.

Some walk-in options are available at our Brooklyn Park and West St. Paul clinics on select dates. Please check those clinic pages for specific walk-in availability and details.

Does insurance cover well-child check and sports physical?

Well-child check-ups are considered preventive care and are typically fully covered by insurance.

For added convenience, we offer 2-in-1 well-child check and sports physical during a single, short appointment.

This gives your child’s primary care provider the opportunity to assess their overall health as well as their readiness for sports participation—all in one visit.

If your child receives a sports physical during the same visit, it’s often included under the same coverage—meaning no extra cost in many cases.

However, if your child has already had their annual well-child check and needs a separate sports physical later, that visit may be billed differently. Depending on your insurance plan, it could involve a copay or partial coverage.

Helpful tip: When scheduling your appointment, let us know if your child needs both a well-child check and a sports physical. This helps us ask the right questions and bill your insurance correctly.

2-in-1 visit: Sports physical + well-child checkup

Schedule your child’s sports physical and well-child checkup in one convenient visit. Available at all 9 of our primary care locations.

Why is it important to see your primary care clinician for well-child exams and sports physicals?

At well-child exams, the doctor will check your child’s growth, well-being and development as well as offer guidance on nutrition, sleep, safety and other important topics. These visits are a great opportunity to learn more and ask questions about your child’s health.

The sports physical component can be completed at the time of a well-child exam which makes these convenient and easy to check off your list!

“It is beneficial to have a sports physical completed by a provider who knows your child. A child’s primary care provider has access to their past medical history including growth, development, nutrition, as well as previous injuries or concussions,” says Elizabeth Placzek, MD, pediatrician at our Children’s Minnesota primary care West St. Paul clinic.

Dr. Placzek also explains other components that are important to a well-child check and sports physical. “Family medical history is also reviewed to determine risks during sports participation. In addition, the mental health screening for depression and anxiety are key components to athletic success and are completed with the well-child visit.”

This is why it is beneficial to get your child’s sports physical done at the same provider who knows your child versus going to a quick, walk-in clinic. When a teen feels comfortable with their provider, they may be more likely to use that opportunity to discuss other important social or emotional concerns relevant to their health, and yearly visits are also a great way for your child to develop a trusted relationship with their provider.

What is the schedule for preventive care exams and immunizations?

This schedule of preventive care and immunizations helps you know what to expect and prepare your child at each age.

Well-child exams and sports physicals are important. Be sure to schedule one for your child as July and August appointments are quickly filling up. We’ll make sure you and your child have the best possible experience. Find a location near you.