Preparticipation physicals are required for a variety of activities and are designed to protect the health of the participants.  The specific requirements depend upon the type of activity planned.  The most common reasons for preparticipation physicals are camps, college, preemployment, sports and supervised fitness programs.

Camp physicals are usually performed on children and adolescents.  The purpose is to identify any type of illness or injury that would require medication, observation or adjustment in activities.  Most camps have resident medical personnel.  The medical history, medication requirements and activity approval gives them critical information in case of illness or injury and also provides permission for camp personnel to administer camper’s regular medications.  These physicals are not used to exclude campers.  Camps often also require proof of immunization against infectious diseases. 

College physicals are much the same and intended to give college health professionals background information to assist in ongoing or emergency medical care if needed.  Many colleges and universities have specific immunization requirements because the close living quarters predispose college students to certain infectious diseases such as meningitis.

Sports, fitness program and preemployment physicals are designed to assure that the potential participants have no preexisting illness or injury that could become more serious or even cause death.  It is important to know that many times, all that is required is a certificate of clearance.  All specific medical information then remains as part of the patient’s private medical record.  In fact, employers are prohibited by law from requiring any information other than fitness for the requirements of the job.

Generally, forms are provided that require medical history and other information to be completed by the patient before arriving at their physicians office.  It is important that these forms, including immunization records be available at the time of the physical.  Immunization records are especially important if visiting a new physician.