Get a Head Start on the School Year With a Sports Physical at Essentia Health

Essentia Health is now offering sports physicals for student-athletes, from middle school to college, across North Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin that will be valid for next school year and beyond. Rather than wait until summer and the fall sports season, Essentia encourages parents to prioritize these appointments this spring to save time and beat the rush.

In North Dakota, sports physicals conducted on or after April 15 are good for the following school year. In Minnesota, sports physicals are good for three years, and in Wisconsin, they are valid for two years when completed on or after April 1.

“A sports physical is a great way to learn of any underlying health conditions before your child begins a new season or takes part in a physically demanding activity of any kind,” said Dr. Tanya Diegel, a family medicine physician at Essentia Health. “We can help keep our children safe by being proactive and identifying any concerns prior to participation.”

A sports physical, also known as a preparticipation physical examination (PPE), helps determine whether it’s safe for your child to participate in a certain sport. Most states, including North Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin, require that student-athletes have a sports physical before they can start a new sport (including any practices) or begin a new competitive season. It is recommended that your child have their physical at least six weeks before their sports season begins so there is enough time to follow up on something if necessary.

Forms are available online at ndhsaa.com (North Dakota), mshsl.org (Minnesota) and wiaawi.org (Wisconsin). Please complete and sign the appropriate form before your appointment and bring a copy when you come in for your child’s physical. This form may also be completed via MyChart with an active account.

Sports physicals can be completed separately or as part of a well-child/teen visit. Well-child/teen visits are a great time to review your child’s health in all areas — growth, cognitive and social development, illness prevention, mental health and more. These visits are recommended annually.

You can schedule these visits directly through your pediatrician or family medicine provider. You can also schedule by calling (844) 663-1068, online through EssentiaHealth.org or through MyChart.