Convenient & Affordable Sports Physical Exams for Triangle Region Athletes

We love seeing people of all ages being active and participating in sports, but we want them to do it safely. To ensure safety, student-athletes in North Carolina must have a completed sports physical exam to participate in practices and interscholastic athletic contests.

According to the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA), this includes a medical history form, a physical examination, and a medical eligibility clearance. Middle school athletes must also meet these requirements to be eligible.

Why Choose EmergeOrtho for Your Sports Physical?

You have options when choosing a physician or facility for your sports physical. Here is why athletes and their parents choose EmergeOrtho-Triangle Region for physicals:

• We have multiple convenient locations throughout the Triangle region.
• Athletes can schedule an appointment for a physical online.
• We also welcome walk-ins at all of our urgent care locations during open hours.
• Our urgent care sports physicals are just $25 per athlete.
• Our locations are staffed by orthopedic specialists who can provide expert evaluation and treatment options for athletes with injuries or conditions that might prevent them from participating.

North Carolina Sports Physical Requirements

North Carolina student-athletes must complete a physical before they are eligible to participate in sports team practices and competitive events. The NCHSAA provides the necessary forms and information about health and safety policies.

To be eligible for sports participation, student-athletes must submit the Preparticipation Physical Evaluation (PPE). The form should be signed by a qualified medical professional stating that the individual is medically eligible. Forms are available in English and Spanish.

Preparticipation Physical Evaluation (PPE) Forms – English

Preparticipation Physical Evaluation (PPE) Forms – Spanish

A complete PPE includes three parts:

• History Form. The athlete and their parents or guardians complete this part of the sports physical exam form that outlines past health status and any issues, such as surgeries, illnesses, or injuries. This information is important because it helps healthcare providers and coaching staff make changes or accommodations as needed to keep the athlete safe and healthy. Parents/guardians must sign this portion of the PPE form, too.
• Physical Examination Form. A licensed medical professional completes and signs this part of the form after completing a physical exam. This includes a review of the history form.
• Medical Eligibility. Finally, the medical professional determines if the student is eligible for athletic participation and completes and signs this part of the PPE form. The medical eligibility portion includes shared emergency information and any restrictions if the athlete is not eligible for all sports.

How Long Are Physicals Good For?

The sports physical form in North Carolina is valid for 395 days, about a year and one month. That means athletes only need one physical per year. A physical completed for the fall sports season remains valid for the following spring sports season.

What To Expect During a Sports Physical

It is best to have the history portion of your PPE form completed before your physical exam. A medical professional will review the information and fill in any missing information with you. They will be interested in several important aspects of the athlete’s medical and health history:

• Any illnesses and injuries, especially serious or severe events, that led to hospitalization
• Previous concussions, which is particularly relevant to sports participation
• Any past surgeries
• A history of difficulty exercising or being active, such as losing consciousness, difficulty breathing, or joint pain
• Any current chronic health conditions
• Any allergies
• Medications that the athlete takes regularly, both prescription and over-the-counter

Once the medical professional has discussed the athlete’s medical history, they will perform a physical exam. This covers all the basic information required by the PPE form and NCHSAA guidelines:

• Weight and height
• Pulse
• Blood pressure
• Vision check
• Hearing check
• Skin check
• Examination of heart, lungs, throat, ears, nose, and lymph nodes
• Musculoskeletal evaluation of neck, back, joints, arms, legs, feet, and hands
• Evaluation of strength and flexibility

The medical professional may also ask the athlete additional questions as needed. These could be related to existing medical conditions, mental health, substance use, or weight changes.

Clearing the Athlete for Participation

Most young athletes are cleared for participation following a sports physical. The presence or history of health conditions or injuries does not necessarily disqualify your athlete from participation. The medical professional may have some concerns or restrictions.

They may also clear the athlete for participation only after completing specific treatments. The medical professional will discuss any of these issues and options for moving forward with the athlete and their parents or guardians.

How Much Do Sports Physicals Cost?

Costs for preparticipation physical examinations vary by provider. We believe in making PPEs affordable for athletes and their families because we do not want there to be any barriers to participation in athletics. You can get a sports physical at any of our urgent care locations for just $25.

How To Get Your EmergeOrtho Sports Physical

We make it easy and convenient for families and individuals to meet their PPE requirements. You can contact us to make an appointment at one of our many Triangle Region locations. Find your closest location and walk in, call, or use the online tool to schedule an appointment for a sports physical today.