What Is a School Physical?
A school physical exam, sometimes called a back-to-school physical, is a medical checkup required at certain stages of a child's education. It gives your healthcare provider an opportunity to evaluate your child's general health, growth, development and ability to participate safely in school activities.
School physicals also help identify concerns such as vision or hearing difficulties, asthma, nutritional issues and other conditions that may affect a student's daily life.
In Illinois, required school health examinations are documented using the Certificate of Child Health Examination. This form includes your child's health history, immunization information, examination findings and any relevant school health recommendations.
Who Needs a School Physical in Illinois?
Illinois requires school physical examinations for students entering certain grade levels or enrolling in the state's schools for the first time.
A school physical is generally required for:
- Preschool and Pre-K students entering an early childhood education programme
- Kindergarten or first-grade students entering elementary school
- Students entering 6th grade before beginning middle school
- Students entering 9th grade before starting high school
- Students entering an Illinois school for the first time, including those transferring from another state or country
For Chicago Public Schools (CPS), required school physical documentation is generally due by October 15. The examination should normally be completed within one year before the required school entry date.
Requirements and deadlines may differ between schools. Parents should confirm the documents needed with their child's school before booking.
What Happens During a School Physical?
A school physical is more than a form to sign. It is an opportunity to check your child's health, address concerns and prepare for the upcoming school year.
- Medical history review. We review your child's medical conditions, allergies, medications, past illnesses, previous injuries and relevant family health history.
- Physical examination. Your provider checks measurements such as height, weight and blood pressure, along with the heart, lungs and other body systems. Additional assessments depend on your child's age and medical needs.
- Growth and developmental health. We discuss growth, nutrition, sleep, physical activity and developmental or emotional concerns when appropriate.
- Immunization and screening review. Your child's vaccination records are reviewed against relevant school requirements. Your provider also determines whether screening or testing is needed.
- School health documentation. Your provider reviews the required paperwork and completes the appropriate medical sections based on examination findings. Some students may need additional records or follow-up before documentation can be finalized.
Depending on your child's age and health history, additional screening may include vision or hearing checks, lead risk assessment or tuberculosis risk assessment. Testing is performed when indicated rather than automatically for every student.
How Should I Prepare for a School Physical?
Bringing the right documents helps your provider review the school's requirements and complete the visit more efficiently.
- Bring the school physical form or Illinois Certificate of Child Health Examination required by your school
- Bring your child's immunization and vaccination records
- Bring your insurance card and parent or guardian identification
- Bring a list of your child's current medications and allergies
- Bring relevant medical records or reports for ongoing health conditions
- Complete the parent or guardian health history section of the school form before the appointment
- Let us know about any health concerns, school accommodations or sports participation requirements
You can download the official Illinois Certificate of Child Health Examination before your visit.
School Physical vs Sports Physical: What's the Difference?
Although both involve a medical examination, a school physical and a sports physical serve different purposes.
| Exam | Purpose | Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| School Physical | Reviews general health, growth, development and immunization requirements for school enrollment. | Illinois Certificate of Child Health Examination. |
| Sports Physical | Evaluates medical history and potential health risks related to athletic participation. | Sports participation clearance accepted by the school or athletic organization. |
The Illinois school physical form includes a section for interscholastic sports participation. A school physical may also satisfy certain sports requirements if the appropriate clearance is completed. However, schools or athletic organizations may have additional requirements.
If your child needs both examinations, tell us when scheduling so the appropriate forms and requirements can be reviewed.
Does Insurance Cover School Physicals?
Coverage depends on your insurance plan. Many private health insurance plans cover age-appropriate preventive wellness examinations when you visit an in-network provider.
However, fees for school-specific paperwork, additional screenings, vaccinations or separate services may vary by plan.
Lau Medical accepts many major private insurance plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna and Cigna. Self-pay appointments are also available.
Call 773-394-2888 to ask about school physical pricing and insurance, or visit our Billing & Insurance page for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): School Physicals
1. When does my child need a school physical?
Illinois generally requires a school physical before preschool, kindergarten or first grade, 6th grade, 9th grade, and first-time enrollment in an Illinois school. Check your child's school for the applicable deadline.
2. How long is a school physical valid?
For Illinois school entry requirements, the examination generally must have been completed within one year before the required entry date. Sports participation may have different validity rules.
3. Does my child need vaccinations during the school physical?
Not necessarily. Your provider will review your child's immunization history and identify any vaccines required for their age or grade. If vaccines are due, ask our team about the next steps.
4. Can a school physical also count as a sports physical?
Sometimes. The Illinois school health form includes a sports participation section. Whether it satisfies your child's athletic requirements depends on the completed assessment and the school's rules.
5. Can I get my child's school physical through telehealth?
No. A school physical requires an in-person examination and appropriate documentation. Schedule an office appointment and bring the required forms.
6. What if my child has asthma, allergies or another medical condition?
Tell your provider about existing conditions and bring relevant medical records. The examination can help identify whether your child needs medications, special instructions or additional health documentation for school.
