School & Sports Physicals in Lake Charles, LA
Cleared to play: Your physical awaits
Comprehensive School & Athletic Physicals for Kids and Teens
At Smith Family Medicine, Dr. Smith provides comprehensive school and sports physicals in Lake Charles, Louisiana, helping students safely participate in school activities, athletics, and extracurricular programs.
​
Whether your child needs a Louisiana school physical, sports clearance exam, or a routine wellness check, we offer efficient, same-day or next-day appointments with a focus on safety, performance, and long-term health.
What Is a School or Sports Physical?
A school or sports physical (also known as a pre-participation physical exam (PPE)) is required by many schools and athletic programs to ensure that your child is healthy and safe to participate in physical activity.
These exams help identify:
​
-
Underlying medical conditions
-
Risk factors for injury or illness
-
Fitness level for sports participation
-
Any need for restrictions or further evaluation
What’s Included in Our Physical Exams
Our Lake Charles school and sports physicals are thorough and tailored to your child’s needs.
​
Evaluation Includes:
​
-
Complete medical history review
-
Height, weight, and vital signs
-
Vision screening
-
Heart and lung exam
-
Musculoskeletal evaluation (joints, spine, strength, flexibility)
-
Neurologic screening
-
Review of medications and allergies
-
Clearance for sports participation (with or without restrictions)
We take time to ensure all required school or athletic forms are accurately completed and signed during your visit.
Who Needs a Physical?
We provide exams for:
​​​
-
Elementary, middle, and high school students
-
Student athletes (football, basketball, baseball, soccer, cheer, etc.)
-
College or recreational sports participants
-
Annual school-required physicals
-
Camp, daycare, or activity clearance forms
Why Choose Smith Family Medicine for Physicals?
-
Convenient scheduling – same-day or next-day appointments available
-
Local, in-person care – not a rushed urgent care visit
-
Thorough evaluations – focused on safety and long-term health
-
Family-centered approach – we take time to answer questions
-
Trusted primary care physician in Lake Charles
Our goal is not just to “check a box,” but to ensure your child is truly safe and ready to participate.
When Should You Schedule a Physical?
We recommend scheduling:
​
-
Before the start of the school year
-
Prior to sports season tryouts
-
Annually, even if not required
Early scheduling helps avoid last-minute delays in participation.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
To make your visit smooth and efficient, please bring:
​
-
School or sports physical forms
-
Immunization records (if needed)
-
List of medications
-
Glasses or contacts (if applicable)
-
Parent/guardian (if patient is a minor)
