Back-to-School Physicals and Immunizations Free to Students

For many students, seeing the doctor for their annual physical is a requirement at the start of a new school year. While in the past, some families couldn’t afford school physicals because they lacked health insurance, California Care and California Covered in most cases allows health care providers to offer preventive care at no cost, even when patients have health insurance policies that usually require co-pays. “Physicals are required when a child enters school in California, most commonly kindergarten,” continued Dr. Arteaga. “If a middle school, high school, college or university student plans to play sports, all schools will require them to obtain a physical at the beginning of the season. Many college and university students often need back-to-school physicals as a condition of living on campus.” School Physicals and Immunizations are generally free with California Care health insurance membership. Physicals for children typically include making sure that they have reached adequate height and weight for their age. Doctors also make sure children are up-to-date on the immunizations needed for their age. Young children also are evaluated to make sure they can perform certain tasks. For instance a child entering kindergarten should be able to play well with other children, state his or her first and last name, color with crayons and dress him or herself. Kindergarteners who are not able to do these things may have developmental delays that will cause them to need extra help throughout their education, and may also have medical conditions that need close monitoring by a doctor. As with adults, physicals also are a time to check overall health, by checking blood pressure, hearing and vision. Doctors also may order blood tests to check for anemia, and a urinalysis to check for infections and diseases such as diabetes. “All of these things we check for in a physical are what’s known as preventive health care,” Dr. Arteaga said. “We want to make sure we catch things as early as we can so that we can start interventions before they cause serious health problems.” “Thankfully, now that almost all families have health insurance, these interventions will not be an expensive burden on them. With insurance, they may have to pay a small deductible or copay for treatment, but not the hundreds or thousands it would cost without.” Most K-12 students in San Bernardino County begin school in August, as do many colleges. Parents of any students needing a mandatory back-to-school physical to start school before Labor Day should schedule an appointment with their doctor immediately. Athletes, and anyone who starts school in September should not wait much longer. “It is important not to wait until the last minute,” Dr. Arteaga said. “Summer is our busy season, and some doctors won’t be able to see you right away and we do accept patients without an appointment.“ To make an appointment, or for more information about LaSalle Medical Associates, call the LaSalle clinics nearest you at Fontana 17577 Arrow Blvd. or on the phone (909) 823-4454 in Hesperia 16455 Main St.