School Physicals at Niles Family Medicine Clinic in Bakersfield, CA

At Universal Primary Care, we understand the importance of school physicals in supporting your child’s health and well-being. These routine exams are often required before children and adolescents can participate in school activities or sports, and they provide a valuable opportunity to ensure your child is healthy, up-to-date on immunizations, and ready for a successful school year.

During a school physical, our experienced providers will assess your child’s growth, development, vision, hearing, blood pressure, heart, lungs, spine, joints, and overall physical health. This thorough checkup can sometimes reveal underlying conditions such as asthma, heart murmurs, scoliosis, vision or hearing problems, or even early signs of chronic illnesses like diabetes or hypertension.

However, it is important to recognize that school physicals have a specific focus and are not as comprehensive as a full primary care wellness visit. Some health concerns—especially those that are not showing symptoms or require specialized testing—may not be detected during a routine school physical. That’s why we encourage families to schedule regular well-child visits and ongoing consultations with their primary care provider. These visits allow us to build a complete picture of your child’s health, address any concerns, and provide personalized care and guidance as your child grows.

At Universal Primary Care, we understand that having a loved one present during a medical exam can be an important part of your comfort and care. Whether a parent or guardian can stay in the room during an exam often depends on the patient’s age, the nature of the visit, and our office policies designed to protect your privacy and well-being.

We encourage parents or guardians to be present during exams for young children. Your presence not only helps your child feel more comfortable but also ensures we receive important health information. Our team values your insights and works with you to support your child’s health.

As children become teenagers, it’s common for our healthcare providers to request some one-on-one time with the patient. This private time is important—it gives adolescents a chance to talk openly about sensitive topics and health concerns. We always explain this process to both parents and teens so everyone feels informed and respected.

Adult patients are welcome to decide if they’d like a family member or friend to join them during an exam. As long as it doesn’t interfere with your care or privacy, we are happy to accommodate your preferences and help you feel supported.

We know that helping your child feel comfortable during a medical visit can make the experience less stressful for the whole family. We encourage you to talk to your child ahead of time about their upcoming visit to Universal Primary Care. Use simple, age-appropriate language to explain why the visit is important—such as getting a check-up, being weighed, having their heart listened to, or possibly getting a shot. Encourage your child to ask questions and share any worries they may have; answer them honestly and reassure them that our team is here to help.

Bringing a favorite toy, blanket, or book can help your child feel more at ease in our office. During your visit, staying calm and positive can go a long way—children often mirror their parents’ emotions, and your reassurance can help them feel safe. We also recommend praising your child for their bravery, no matter how small the accomplishment, and letting them know you are proud of them for cooperating.

If your child has specific fears or anxieties, please let our staff know in advance. Our team is experienced in working with children and will approach your child in a gentle, understanding manner. Sometimes, allowing your child to participate—such as holding the stethoscope or picking which arm to use for a blood pressure check—can help give them a sense of control and comfort.

After your visit, spend some quality time together doing something your child enjoys. This helps reinforce a positive association with medical visits and shows them that Universal Primary Care is a place for care and support. Your child’s health and comfort are our top priorities, and we look forward to making every visit a positive experience.

We are happy to provide a copy of your completed school form upon request. Once your healthcare provider has filled out and signed the required documentation for your child’s school, simply ask a member of our staff if you would like a copy for your records.

We recommend making this request during your child’s appointment or at the time you submit the form to Universal Primary Care for completion. Please note that there may be a brief processing period before the form is ready. If you need additional copies, a small administrative fee may apply.

If you would like us to send the completed form directly to your child’s school, please let us know. Our staff will be happy to assist and will guide you through any necessary authorization steps. Your convenience and your child’s health are our priorities!

The school physical exams are a comprehensive and essential step in preparing your child for a successful academic year and safe participation in sports. These exams serve as a vital piece of preventive healthcare, not just a required form. Each visit includes a thorough review of medical history, a complete physical examination (checking heart, lungs, and musculoskeletal health), and necessary vision and hearing screenings. By using these check-ups to track growth, update immunizations, and identify any potential health risks early, Universal Primary Care ensures your child is cleared, healthy, and ready to meet the demands of their school and extracurricular activities. For more information, contact us today or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 6025 Niles St A1, Bakersfield, CA 93306. We serve patients from Oakridge, Lonsmith, Fairfax, Kayandee, Southgate, Tuscany, Rexland Acres, Edison, and surrounding areas.