As the school year winds down and the weather in central Iowa finally warms up, summer plans are officially in motion. Between organizing childcare, planning vacations, and registering for summer camps and fall sports, a parent’s to-do list is practically endless.

But there is one crucial item you should cross off your list right now: your child’s annual physical.

While it might seem early to think about back-to-school requirements or fall sports, waiting until late July or August usually means competing for limited appointment slots. At Des Moines Pediatrics, we always encourage our families to beat the late-summer rush. Here is why scheduling your child’s physical now is a smart move, plus what you need to know before you arrive.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait Until August

• Avoid the Last-Minute Panic: The weeks leading up to the new school year and the start of fall sports practices are our busiest times. Booking now ensures you won’t be scrambling to get medical clearance the day before football, volleyball, or cross-country practice begins.
• Pick the Best Time for Your Schedule: Getting in early means you have a much better chance of securing an appointment time that works around your work schedule or your child’s remaining school days, rather than taking whatever is left over.
• Time for Follow-Ups: If your child’s physical uncovers a need for a specialist referral, an updated vision screening, or physical therapy for a nagging joint issue, an early appointment gives you plenty of time to address these things before the camp or sports season begins.

Sports Physical vs. Well-Child Exam: What’s the Difference

Parents frequently ask us if their child needs both a well-child exam and a sports physical. While they are similar, they serve different purposes:

• A Well-Child Exam is a comprehensive look at your child’s overall health. We cover developmental milestones, immunization updates, mental health screenings, nutrition, and long-term wellness.
• A Sports Physical (or pre-participation physical) is highly focused on athletic safety. We look specifically at joint health, cardiovascular risks, asthma management, and past injuries (like concussions) to ensure your child can safely participate in rigorous activity.

The Good News: In most cases, we can complete the sports physical requirements during your child’s annual well-child visit! Just let our scheduling team know what you need when you call.

A Quick Note for Iowa Athletes: If your child is entering grades 7-12 and plans to play a school sport, the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) and Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) require a completed physical examination form every single year. Physicals are valid for exactly one calendar year (plus a 30-day grace period), so getting on a consistent spring schedule now will save you headaches every year!

What to Bring to Your Appointment

To make your visit as smooth as possible, please come prepared with the following:

1. Required Forms: Print and pre-fill your parent/student portion of the Iowa Athletic Pre-Participation Physical Examination form, or any specific health forms required by your child’s summer camp.
2. Glasses or Contacts: If your child wears corrective lenses, bring them along for the vision screening portion of the exam.
3. Medical History Details: Be prepared to discuss any family history of heart conditions, recent injuries, or changes in your child’s health since their last visit.
4. A List of Questions: Whether it is about managing asthma during spring allergy season, safe bug repellents, or sleep hygiene, this is your dedicated time to ask our pediatricians your questions.

Ready to Cross it Off Your List?

Give yourself the gift of a stress-free summer and schedule your child’s physical today. Our team at Des Moines Pediatrics is ready to get your little ones—and your teenagers—cleared and ready for all their upcoming adventures.

Call your preferred clinic location to book your appointment:

• Des Moines/Beaverdale: (515) 255-3181
• Ankeny: (515) 964-2159

We look forward to seeing your family soon!