Medically reviewed by the clinical team at Immediate Care Center of Westmont · Published July 23, 2026 · Last reviewed July 23, 2026
At Immediate Care Center of Westmont, our walk-in urgent care sees a steady wave of families every summer as back-to-school season arrives and coaches start asking for paperwork. With two convenient Westmont locations serving DuPage County — including Downers Grove, Hinsdale, Oak Brook, Darien, Clarendon Hills, Willowbrook and La Grange — we make it simple to get a sports physical or school physical done quickly, often without an appointment. If you have been searching for a “sports physical near me” before tryouts, this guide explains what these exams include, when to schedule one, and how the process works in Illinois.
A school or sports physical is a focused medical exam that confirms a child or teen is healthy enough to safely participate in physical activity. Schools and athletic programs require them for a good reason: the exam can uncover conditions that might otherwise go unnoticed, from uncontrolled asthma to heart rhythm concerns, and it gives a clinician the chance to review injuries, medications, and family history before a young athlete steps onto the field.
The exam is sometimes called a preparticipation physical evaluation, or PPE. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the goal is not simply to check a box but to give every athlete the best opportunity for full and safe participation. You can read the AAP’s overview on HealthyChildren.org.
The single most common mistake families make is waiting until the week before tryouts. Leading pediatric guidance recommends completing the physical several weeks before the season begins — ideally about six weeks ahead — so there is time to follow up on anything the clinician finds, whether that means additional testing, a specialist referral, or simply treating a lingering issue. In Illinois, fall sports paperwork tends to come due in late July and August, so mid-summer is the ideal window. Because we are a walk-in clinic, you do not need to compete for a scarce appointment slot during the busiest weeks.
A school or sports physical generally has two parts: a health history and a hands-on examination. The history is often the most valuable portion, because most conditions that matter for sports are identified through careful questions rather than tests.
Most healthy young athletes need nothing more than this. If a question comes up — for example, a heart murmur or a poorly healed ankle — the clinician may recommend follow-up. Our Westmont clinics also offer on-site services that can make that follow-up seamless, including digital X-ray and lab testing when they are medically appropriate.
Illinois school districts and the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) use standardized preparticipation forms, and many schools require that a physical be dated within a set window before the season. Bring whatever form your school or league provided so the provider can complete and sign it during your visit. If you are not sure which form you need, your school’s athletic office or main office can tell you, and it is always safe to bring the most recent version. A single visit can often satisfy both a general school-entry health requirement and a sports clearance, though the exact requirements vary by district and grade level.
These two exams overlap but are not identical. A school physical is often a broader wellness check that a district requires for enrollment at certain grade levels and may include a review of immunizations and vision. A sports physical is more narrowly focused on whether it is safe for a student to play a sport. In many cases a clinician can address both in one appointment. If your child also needs a more comprehensive checkup, a full physical exam may be the better fit — our team can help you decide which visit matches your paperwork and your child’s needs.
A little preparation makes the whole process faster and more useful for everyone. Before you walk in, sit down with your child and complete the health-history portion of the form together — parents often remember details about early childhood illnesses, surgeries, or family medical history that a teenager may not know. Make a written list of every medication and supplement your athlete takes, including inhalers, allergy medicines, and vitamins, since these are easy to forget in the moment.
It also helps to think ahead about any symptoms your child has mentioned, even in passing: getting winded faster than teammates, occasional dizziness, a knee that aches after practice, or headaches after a bump to the head. Small details like these are exactly what a clinician needs to hear, and mentioning them proactively can prevent a delay later. Finally, have your child wear comfortable, flexible clothing such as shorts and a t-shirt so the musculoskeletal screen goes quickly.
Beyond satisfying a form, the sports physical is a chance to reinforce healthy habits. Regular physical activity supports heart health, strong bones, better sleep, and mental well-being in children and teens. the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that children and adolescents get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day, a helpful benchmark whether or not your child plays organized sports. Using the annual physical as a moment to talk about activity, hydration, and injury prevention helps set young athletes up for a healthy season.
For a routine sports or school physical, simply walk in during our open hours with the paperwork and your child’s medication list. Come sooner rather than later if any of the following apply, because they may need attention before clearance:
Safety note: A sports physical is not the place to evaluate an emergency. If a young athlete has chest pain, passes out, has trouble breathing, or shows signs of a serious head injury, do not wait for a scheduled exam — call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
No. Immediate Care Center of Westmont is a walk-in urgent care, so you can come in during open hours. To save time, you can also use our online check-in before you arrive.
The exam itself is usually brief — often 15 to 30 minutes — as long as your child is generally healthy and you bring the completed history portion of the form. Busy back-to-school periods may add some wait time, which is another reason to come in earlier in the summer.
Bring the school or league physical form, a list of current medications, glasses or contacts if worn, and information about any past injuries or chronic conditions. If a parent or guardian is not present, check whether your school requires a signed consent form.
Costs vary by provider and whether the exam is billed to insurance or done as part of a well-child visit. For current pricing and insurance questions, please see our cost and insurance page or call us directly.
Beat the back-to-school rush. Immediate Care Center of Westmont is open Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM, and Saturday and Sunday, 9 AM to 5 PM, with two locations serving Westmont and the surrounding DuPage County communities. Walk in at your convenience, or call us at (630) 324-6825 with any questions. You can also check in online to shorten your wait. For background on what these exams involve, the Nemours guide to sports physicals on KidsHealth is a helpful resource for parents and teens.
This page is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.
Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
