Ohio’s mid-summer sports and conditioning rush sneaks up fast. Coaches need forms, conditioning have deadlines, and tryout dates come with zero wiggle room. A same-day sports physical keeps the paperwork moving so your student can focus on playing, not waiting.
Immediate Health Associates (IHA) provides walk-in pre-participation exams for middle school and high school athletes, with extended hours, online check-in, and a parent-friendly flat fee. Below is a clear look at what is included, what to bring, timing tips to save you a line, and how our on-site diagnostics can help if a minor injury is found during the visit.
What a pre-participation sports physical includes
A sports physical, sometimes called a pre-participation exam, makes sure it is reasonably safe for a student to join sports, conditioning, or strenuous activity. At IHA, experienced urgent care providers complete the visit, which typically includes:
- Health history review: past illnesses, concussions, asthma or breathing issues, allergies, prior surgeries or hospitalizations, family history of heart conditions or sudden cardiac death, and current medications or supplements.
- Vital signs and measurements: height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, oxygen saturation when indicated.
- Vision screening: distance vision check, with and without corrective lenses if the student wears glasses or contacts.
- Cardiovascular and lung exam: heart rate and rhythm, murmurs, breathing sounds, exercise tolerance questions, and symptom review for chest pain, dizziness, or fainting with activity.
- Musculoskeletal exam: joints, range of motion, strength, flexibility, previous sprains or fractures, scoliosis check when indicated.
- General physical exam: ears, nose, throat, abdomen, skin, and neurologic screening, with focused evaluation if there is a concern that could affect safe participation.
If a concern is found, the provider will explain next steps. Many minor issues can be addressed in the same visit. For example, if an ankle sprain or possible fracture is suspected from a recent practice, our centers offer on-site X-rays and splinting (additional fees may apply), and we can guide safe return-to-play planning or referrals when needed.
What to bring so you are in and out fast
Bringing the right items helps avoid return trips or school office delays:
- School or organization forms: the official pre-participation or sports clearance paperwork. Do not sign sections that require a clinician signature ahead of time.
- Glasses or contacts: the student should arrive wearing corrective lenses, and bring a backup pair if available.
- Medication list: include all prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, inhalers, EpiPens, supplements, and doses.
- Medical history details: dates of prior injuries or surgeries, specialist names, and any care plans for asthma, diabetes, or allergies.
- Parent or guardian ID and the student’s ID if available.
- Please note, we do not bill insurance for sports physicals.
Tip: complete your portion of the form at home and use online check-in to reserve an estimated place in line. Walk-ins are always welcome, and registration closes 15 minutes before posted closing.
Timing tips for same-day visits
Sports forms often have hard deadlines. To minimize wait times:
- Go earlier in the day or mid-afternoon on weekdays. Mornings after opening and mid-afternoons typically see steadier flow than lunch and early evening.
- Avoid the last hour of the day when possible, since lines can build. If you need evening convenience, arrive with all forms and glasses in hand to speed things up.
- Consider checking in online before you leave home. It saves time at the front desk and gives you an estimated place in line. It is not an appointment, but it helps.
Pricing and what to expect at checkout
IHA offers a straightforward flat fee for sports physicals, commonly promoted at $50. Pricing and promotions can change seasonally, so please verify current sports physical pricing when you check in. Self-pay is due at the time of service, and most major credit, debit, and HSA or FSA cards are accepted; American Express is not accepted. If you prefer to use insurance for other services provided during the visit, bring your card so we can verify plan details. For broader details on self-pay services and diagnostic pricing, you can review our current Westerville self-pay medical pricing information on our site.
Parents often ask how much a pediatric visit is without insurance. Because needs vary, fees depend on the type of visit, any tests, and whether procedures are performed. Sports physicals have the flat fee noted above, and other pediatric visits follow simple, competitive self-pay rates that you can confirm at check-in.
On-site diagnostics for related injuries
If your student rolled an ankle at conditioning yesterday or took a hard slide at practice, we can evaluate that as part of the same visit. IHA locations offer:
- X-rays for suspected fractures and growth plate injuries.
- Rapid tests and on-site labs when illness is part of the picture.
- Wound care and laceration repair for minor cuts picked up during play.
If stitches are needed, our urgent care teams typically perform laceration repair, including cleaning, numbing, and suturing or skin adhesive, followed by dressing and aftercare instructions. If a more complex injury or severe bleeding is present, we will guide you to an emergency department.
How the visit flows
After check-in, a medical team member will review your forms and history, take vitals, and begin the exam. We complete the school or conditioning forms during the visit and return them to you before you leave, unless a condition requires follow-up information. When additional testing is needed, on-site services help keep the process fast, convenient, and cost-conscious.
Where to go today
Walk into any Immediate Health Associates center across Central Ohio. Extended hours, seven days a week. Easy Check-In available. Registration closes 15 minutes before posted closing.
- Newark Valley Urgent Care, 2112 Cherry Valley Rd., Newark, OH 43055
- Wedgewood Urgent Care, 10330 Sawmill Pkwy. Suite 300, Powell, OH 43065
- Sunbury Urgent Care, 101D West Cherry St., Sunbury, OH 43074
- Westar Urgent Care, 444 N. Cleveland Ave. Suite 130, Westerville, OH 43081
If you are near Newark and want the quickest route to care with X-ray and on-site testing available, explore our Newark urgent care clinic page to confirm hours and check in online. Families in Powell can review Wedgewood services, including evening availability and straightforward pricing information, on the Powell clinic page. If you prefer to start online, you can also book urgent care online in Westerville using our Easy Check-In.
Final checklist before you head out
- Pack the required school or sport forms, plus glasses or contacts.
- Bring a current medication and allergy list.
- Complete your portion of the forms at home, then use online check-in.
- Verify the current sports physical fee and any promotions at arrival.
The bottom line
Same-day sports physicals keep your student’s season on track. With IHA, you get experienced providers, on-site diagnostics if a minor issue shows up, and a flat, parent-friendly fee for the exam. Walk in today, or save time by starting with online check-in. To find the nearest location or confirm current pricing, visit our website or the location page closest to you.