WOONSOCKET, R.I. — With a busier school athletics season approaches as the weather warms, MinuteClinic is offering students a $20 discount on sports physicals.
The CVS Caremark health clinic subsidiary said this week that through May 31, it will offer spring sports physicals at $39, down from the standard price of $59. Coaches, team leaders and athletic directors also are being offered an additional $5 team discount.
The pre-participation physicals — required by many states, school systems and athletic leagues — are administered by certified MinuteClinic nurse practitioners and physician assistants who specialize in family health care. The health exams are offered seven days a week, including weekday evenings, and no appointment is necessary.
"During the developmental years, children’s bodies grow and change so rapidly that it’s always smart to get them checked out to ensure it’s safe to participate in a sport or start a new season," stated Paulette Thabault, chief nurse practitioner officer for MinuteClinic.
"During the visit, our practitioners review medical history and check to see if immunizations are up to date. They’ll then record weight and height and provide a thorough physical exam that includes a check of vital signs and reflexes and an overall assessment of physical condition to make sure the child is not at risk for illness or injury," Thabault explained. "We also take time to answer questions and make each exam a teaching moment by offering educational tips about the importance of stretching, hydrating and avoiding overexertion so children can play their best."
Once a child is cleared to play, MinuteClinic practitioners stamp any required forms and reference the results provided on the official patient summary. Copies of the summary can be transmitted by electronic record, fax or mail to a primary care provider.
MinuteClinic added that besides sports physicals, it offers camp, college and Department of Transportation physical exams daily through its clinic locations in about 500 CVS/pharmacy stores nationwide.
