Back-to-school checkups are doctor appointments that usually include a physical exam, screenings for vision and hearing, and a review of immunization records.

Also known as a comprehensive physical or annual wellness exam, back-to-school checkups provide an opportunity to assess a child’s overall health and development before the school year begins. Yearly appointments also help build a child’s personal medical history and records.

They also allow the child and guardian to ask the doctor any questions.

It’s best to schedule a back-to-school checkup about 4 to 6 weeks before school starts.

A back-to-school checkup is also an opportunity to ensure your child has received any immunizations required for school enrollment, determine if it is safe for them to participate in sports or other activities, and complete a required medical eligibility form for these extracurriculars.

Keep reading to learn what a back-to-school checkup involves, what to bring to one, and what concerns to raise with a child’s doctor.

Back-to-school checkups are not required in the United States, though all 50 states and Washington, D.C., have immunization requirements for school enrollment. Many guardians use a back-to-school checkup to ensure their child receives the necessary immunizations.

Some schools may have deadlines for students to be up to date on immunizations or receive an exemption for medical, religious, or philosophical reasons. Students who do not meet those deadlines may not be allowed to enter the classroom.

The exact procedures may vary by state and school district.

It’s best to schedule an appointment with your child’s doctor in the weeks before they return to school.

A back-to-school checkup is a wellness exam that usually includes a physical exam, discussing the child’s health, completing required paperwork, and addressing any concerns.

A pediatrician (a doctor specializing in treating people under 18) usually performs the checkup.

These appointments support preventive care and are usually covered by most private insurance plans and Medicaid.

Physical exam

During a back-to-school checkup for children, a doctor typically performs a physical exam with the parent or guardian present. For teens, the physical exam may take place without the guardian in the exam room.

This can include:

  • measuring their height and weight
  • conducting a head-to-toe physical exam
  • vision and hearing screenings
  • examining their eyes, mouth, and ears
  • listening to their heart and lungs
  • taking their vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature
  • testing their reflexes
  • asking questions to understand their cognitive and social-emotional development

General health discussion

A pediatrician usually also asks questions to give them a better picture of the child’s overall health and provides education to help support a child’s growth and development.

This can include discussion of the child’s:

Required paperwork

During a back-to-school checkup, a pediatrician can also complete any paperwork required by the school district. This can include physical forms needed to participate in sports or extracurricular activities. The exam helps ensure your child is safe to participate. The doctor’s office may provide a copy of this form.

Discussion of health concerns

You and the child can also ask any questions or bring up any concerns you may have.

Items you may need include:

  • the child’s immunization history and medical history, including past illnesses, injuries, and procedures
  • a list of the child’s current medications
  • the child’s family medical history, including the relation and their diagnosis
  • any paperwork required by the child’s school for the doctor to complete

If you have questions or concerns about your child’s physical or mental health, nutrition, or development, consider writing them down beforehand so you can ask their doctor.

What if you don’t have the child’s complete medical history?

If, as their guardian, you do not have the child’s full medical information and are visiting a new healthcare professional, you may be able to access the information on file from the child’s previous doctor or school.

You may have to complete a release of information to have a child’s medical history sent to you or their new doctor, especially in the case of custody changes.

If you or your child has any concerns about their health, it’s worth discussing them with their doctor. Some things to consider mentioning include:

You don’t have to wait until your child’s next wellness appointment to discuss concerns with their pediatrician. You can schedule an appointment to discuss concerns at any time.

Depending on the concern, a pediatrician may provide guidance, education, or a referral to a specialist, such as a psychologist or therapist for children.

If your child is 12 years or older, the doctor may ask you to step out of the room for a few minutes as they ask questions your adolescent or teen may not feel comfortable discussing in front of you. This may include questions about:

  • their home life
  • dating
  • sexual health
  • substance or alcohol use
  • mental health
  • bullying

The information gathered during this conversation is often protected by doctor-patient confidentiality, especially if the adolescent does not want the doctor to disclose sensitive information to their guardian. This supports an open and honest relationship between the adolescent and their doctor. Laws on confidentiality and what information is protected by them can vary depending on your state.

However, the adolescent’s doctor will let you know any information necessary if your adolescent needs immediate help, such as if they have thoughts of harming themself or others.

While back-to-school checkups aren’t required, they allow you to build your child’s health history and make sure they are up-to-date on required immunizations before school starts.

A doctor can also complete medical eligibility forms that are often required to show that it is safe for a child to participate in sports or certain other extracurricular activities.