Sports Physical

Sports Physical is also called pre-participation physical examinations (PPE).

Sports physicals are usually a part of registering youths for participation in a sport. The Nurse Practitioners at Premier IV Hydration & Wellness, Inc. are board-certified and qualified to perform sports physicals for kids and teens. Our Nurse Practitioners will review your child's medical history, conduct an exam and recommend additional tests and diagnoses if necessary. Following the session, the Nurse Practitioner will fill in the required medical forms for the athlete.

Sports organizers generally require an evaluation for children to participate, with regulations varying according to the rules of the respective state, school, or a sport's governing body. In Tennessee, under Article II, Section 10 of the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) Bylaws state:

"It is required that no student be permitted to participate in practice sessions or in athletic contests until there is on file with the principal a preparticipation medical evaluation form signed by a doctor of medicine, osteopathic physician, physician assistant, or certified nurse practitioner stating that the student has passed a physical examination, not prior to April 15 and that in their opinion the student is physically fit to participate in interscholastic athletics. In lieu of the form, the principal may accept a signed statement from the health care provider certifying that the student has passed a physical examination that encompasses all elements on the preparticipation medical evaluation form and attesting that in their opinion the student is physically fit to participate in interscholastic athletics.

No student shall be required to submit to a physical exam if his/her parent(s) or legal guardian shall file with the principal a signed, written statement (affirmed under the penalties of perjury) declining such physical examination on grounds of sincerely held beliefs or practices.

It is required that no student be permitted to participate in practice sessions or in athletic contests until there is on file a parental consent certificate signed by a parent or legal guardian stating that the student has the consent of his/her parent(s) or legal guardian to participate."

A PPE/Sports Physical helps to assure that the athlete is healthy and physically ready for their chosen activity such as baseball, softball, volleyball, golf, swimming, basketball, football, soccer, or track. Before registering, check with the organizers about their eligibility requirements. The purpose is to help minimize the risk of injury while your child plays.

What to know before the visit

Our Nurse Practitioners provide this service for patients 18 months and older.
Insurance is not accepted for physicals at Premier IV Hydration & Wellness, Inc. and payment is due at the time of visit. ($35 per athlete)
Bring any required forms including a completed health and immunization history.
If the athlete has a history of any type of heart problem, heart condition, or an episode or event related to their heart, we require documentation from the athlete's primary care or treating physician stating the condition has been evaluated and does not prevent participation in sports.
Our practitioners can only verify immunizations administered at our clinics or with appropriate documentation.
A sports physical should not replace an annual wellness physical.

What to expect at your visit

Call the clinic at 731-882-7373 to make an appointment.
The Nurse Practitioner will review your medical history and immunizations and perform a simple physical exam to determine if you are able to safely participate in your chosen sport.
The Nurse Practitioner may recommend tests or refer you to your primary care provider if required.
At the end of your visit, the Nurse Practitioner will sign any medical forms required and also provide you with a summary, a receipt, and educational material.
The summary of your visit can be sent to your primary care provider with your permission.

How to prepare for a sports physical?

Specific requirements can vary according to the particular sport's organizers or governing body. The athlete's sports physical examination may include:

Review of the athlete and the family's medical history
Details regarding dietary supplements, medications, or prescriptions of the athlete
General physical exam to check the ears, nose, throat, heart, lungs, and abdomen
Vision check
Check blood pressure, oxygen saturation, heart rate, and rhythm
Height and weight measurement
Evaluate flexibility, joints, posture, and strength

Click the PDF File below to download and print the TSSAA Preparticipation Medical Evaluation Form & Emergency Treatment/Parent's Consent Form.

Parents, please fill out the parents' sections of all the necessary forms before the visit.

This will help to expedite the sports physical exam process.

Please collect the following medical information to bring to the examination:

Relevant health and medical history, including any allergies, current medications, and existing medical conditions
Primary care provider's name and contact info

For participants with a history of a heart ailment or cardiac event, the primary care physician or treating provider must provide a statement that they have evaluated the condition and that it does not prevent the athlete's participation.

Please note that the Nurse Practitioners at Premier IV Hydration & Wellness, Inc. can verify vaccinations with proper documentation of immunizations administered by another health care provider.

A sports physical exam is not intended to replace a comprehensive annual wellness exam and other screenings.