Where to Get Sports Physicals in the Tampa Bay, Florida Area

Another school year is beginning once again in the Tampa Bay area here in Florida. It's time for some kids to get prepared for a sports physical if they want to participate in either individual or team athletics at their school. This is a necessary requirement for anyone who wants to participate in competitive sports such as soccer, basketball, baseball, and football to get a comprehensive physical exam. During the sports physical visit to a clinic, doctor's office, or health department the attending physician will make sure you're good enough to play in the sport you want.

This brings back memories of the time I was required to get an annual exam during each school year when I was in high school participating in a dance corp. It's not in the traditional competitive sports category, but a requirement for cheerleaders, majorettes, and dance squad, in which I belonged. Many people don't realize this group also requires a sports physical too. The sports physical itself will check your medical history as well as do a physical exam, such as take your blood pressure, check your eyesight, listen to your heart and lungs, and a few other areas of the body.

The next question remains, where does one get sports physical for school kids in the Tampa Bay area? There are five health facilities specifically that provide physical exams required for sports in schools. Here is your guide to help you chose the one that will be convenient for you and your child.

1.) Doctors Walk-In Clinic - 206 E Brandon Blvd. Brandon, Florida (813) 681-5571, Hours of Operation 8AM to 8PM Daily: For those in the Brandon area this is a very convenient clinic that provides physical exams for school. According to their website sports physicals are only $20. Insurance is accepted, no appointment necessary, and most patients are seen and treated in under an hour. This Doctors Walk-In Clinic is located between New London Court and Carver Street. There are 8 locations throughout the Tampa Bay area, so please check their website for the one nearest you. www.dwic.org

2.) Pasco County Health Department Family Clinics 10841 Little Road New Port Richey, Florida, Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30AM - 5:30PM (727) 861-5661: For Pasco County residents they're offering sports physicals for $30. Fees are also based on income too. http://www.doh.state.fl.us/chdPasco/family.html

3.) Take Care Clinic at select Walgreens - 3851 4th Street North St. Petersburg, Florida, Hours of Operation Monday-Friday 8AM - 7:30PM and Saturday-Sunday 9:30AM - 5PM: This clinic is not at every Walgreens in the Tampa Bay area, so please check their website for a location near you. All hours of operation are the same in each location. Their in-store clinic is open 7 days a week and on weeknights and weekends too. Most insurance welcome. Sports physicals are now $30 until September 30th. No long waits for being seen and treated. www.walgreens.com www.takecarehealthsystem.com

4.) Lakeside Occupational Medical Centers - 4215 North MacDill Avenue Tampa, Florida (813) 870-4485, Office Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30AM - 5PM: They specialize primarily in occupational exams, testing, and other related services, however; annual examinations are offered. There are several locations throughout the Tampa Bay area. Please check their website for the one nearest you, in addition to their hours, and for more information on the physical exams. http://www.lakesideoccmed.com/

5.) Trinity Urgent Care - 10730 S.R. 54, Suite 104 Trinity, Florida (727) 372-388 and Suncoast Urgent Care 4112 Mariner Blvd. Spring Hill, Florida (352) 684-3288 Hours of Operation: Monday-Saturday 9AM - 9PM and Sunday 10AM - 4PM: With two great walk-in clinics as well as medical facilities to aid you in all your health needs. They honor most major insurance plans and cash paying patients are also welcome. Sports Physicals are given and you can make an appointment online to avoid unnecessary waiting in their waiting room by clicking on the "ZipPass Get in Line Online" feature on their homepage and in the other links of their website. Please call for more information on sports physical fees. http://www.trinityurgentcare.com/

Now to summarize there are four walk-in clinics, one health department clinic, and one medical center to choose from with a range of office hours and locations convenient for everyone, in addition to affordable sports physical fees. This wealth of information should now ease your mind and your child too, so they can prepare to play sports at school.