Helping You Prepare for the Season, the Job, and What’s Ahead
Getting cleared for school sports or starting a new job shouldn’t feel like a hassle, and at Family Medical Centers, it isn’t. Whether your child is gearing up for the season or you’re preparing for a new opportunity, our comprehensive physical exams make the process simple, efficient, and thorough. We proudly serve families and individuals throughout Port Richey and Trinity, providing timely physicals with compassionate care that puts your health and safety first.
Our clinic has long supported the well-being of students, athletes, and workers in the Pasco County community. From routine sports physicals to pre-employment testing, we offer the essential screenings you need, all under one roof. With Florida introducing new EKG requirements for high school athletes, it’s more important than ever to stay ahead of what’s needed to safely participate. We’re here to guide you through every step, making sure you’re informed, prepared, and fully supported.
What’s Included in a Sports or School Physical?
Before any student hits the field or court, they need a clean bill of health, and that’s exactly what our sports physicals provide. These exams are a critical step in making sure your child can safely participate in school athletics or club sports, and they go beyond just a quick check-up.
Our sports physicals include:
- A review of personal and family medical history
- Evaluation of vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, etc.)
- Musculoskeletal examination (joints, strength, flexibility)
- Heart and lung function assessment
- Vision screening
We also review any previous injuries or chronic conditions that might affect your child’s performance or safety. It’s important to bring any required school or league forms to your appointment. This allows our providers to complete all necessary paperwork during your visit.
Timing Matters
It’s best to schedule a sports physical about six weeks before the season begins. This gives us time to address any concerns or allow for recovery from injuries if needed. However, we understand that timing isn’t always perfect. We do our best to accommodate all schedules, even last-minute ones, so your athlete doesn’t miss a beat.
Florida’s New EKG Requirement: What Families Need to Know
Florida is making history by becoming the first state in the United States to mandate EKG screenings for high school athletes starting in the 2026–27 school year. This change, known as the Second Chance Act, was created in response to tragic stories of student athletes who collapsed due to undiagnosed heart conditions. Some of these cases could have been detected early through a simple EKG.
Why It Matters
Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death among high school athletes. Many of these cases are linked to hidden heart abnormalities that don’t show symptoms during routine physicals. By adding an electrocardiogram (EKG) to the screening process, detection rates increase dramatically.
- Research shows that pairing an ECG with the standard physical exam boosts detection rates of cardiac risks from 45.5% to over 90%.
- Studies estimate that ECG screening saves 2 life-years per 1,000 athletes screened.
What Families Can Expect
The EKG requirement applies to all student-athletes in grades 9 through 12 participating in sports, and the screening must be completed the first time they participate. An EKG completed within two years before the 2026–27 school year will count toward the requirement. If a student’s EKG reveals a potential issue, they will be held from participating until medically cleared. This measure is intended to save lives, not restrict opportunities.
Our providers follow the screening guidelines set by Florida’s Sports Medicine Advisory Committee and stay up to date with the latest protocols to ensure compliance and safety. While this requirement is still a couple of years away, we recommend that parents begin planning ahead now. Students who get EKGs early may discover conditions that can be managed long before competition begins.
Employment Physicals Made Simple
Getting hired often means clearing a few health-related steps before your first day. We help make that process smooth and straightforward. Our employment physicals are customized to your employer’s specific requirements and ensure you’re ready to begin work without unnecessary delays.
Types of Employment Physicals We Offer
We provide a wide range of job-related screenings, including:
- Pre-employment physicals
- Return-to-work exams
- DOT physicals
- Post-offer exams
- Occupational health screenings
We also offer drug and alcohol testing with several collection options, including urine, hair, saliva, and sweat. No need to visit multiple locations. We handle everything at our clinics in Port Richey and Trinity.
What to Bring and Expect
Every employment physical is different. Some may include general health assessments, while others involve lifting tests, range-of-motion checks, or cardiovascular evaluations. We recommend bringing your employer’s paperwork and any relevant medical documentation to ensure nothing is missed. We maintain a fast, organized process to get you cleared efficiently, with results sent promptly to you or your employer as needed.
Why Choose Family Medical Centers?
Our providers bring decades of experience treating patients of all ages in Pasco County. We take pride in combining clinical expertise with approachable, patient-first care. For physicals, that means:
- Flexible scheduling, including same-day and walk-in availability
- Clean, welcoming clinics in Port Richey and Trinity
- Transparent pricing and efficient paperwork processing
- Personalized attention for each patient, no matter their age or reason for visit
Whether your teen needs clearance for track and field or you’re preparing to start a physically demanding job, we’re here to help you move forward confidently and safely.
Ready to Schedule Your Physical? We’re Here to Help You Get Cleared
Whether you’re heading to the field, the gym, or your first day on the job, Family Medical Centers makes it easy to take that next step. From sports and school physicals to employment and DOT exams, our team is ready to support your goals with fast, friendly care. Contact us today to book your appointment at our Port Richey or Trinity location and make sure you’re set for the season ahead.
Common Questions Asked About School, Sports & Work Physicals
Most schools require an annual sports physical before the start of each new season or school year. It’s a good idea to schedule one every 12 months to keep forms up to date and ensure your child is healthy enough for participation.
Yes. The mandatory EKG requirement takes effect in the 2026–27 school year. Until then, it’s not required but still recommended for student athletes, especially those with a family history of heart conditions or symptoms like fainting or chest pain.
If we find something during the physical, like a joint issue, asthma, or high blood pressure, we’ll discuss it with you and provide a referral or follow-up plan. Our goal is to support the student or worker in getting cleared safely.
Yes. For school and sports physicals, bring any forms required by your school, team, or organization. For employment physicals, bring paperwork from your employer and a valid ID. This helps us complete everything during your visit.
We offer flexible appointments and walk-in availability to meet urgent needs. Contact us directly to find out about same-day availability in Port Richey or Trinity.
Not always. This depends on your employer’s policies. If drug or alcohol screening is required, we can collect and send your sample to the appropriate lab and ensure proper documentation for your job.
In many cases, yes. However, some physicals, like sports and employment exams, are considered separate from regular insurance-covered visits. We’ll walk you through your options and provide transparent pricing if insurance doesn’t apply.
Absolutely. If something is identified, our team can schedule a follow-up appointment, provide referrals, or offer treatment options to help your child return to activity safely.
We’re happy to accommodate employer-specific requests. Just bring any forms or instructions provided, and we’ll make sure everything is completed accurately and efficiently.
Yes, we welcome all patients. If you’re looking to begin a new fitness program or just want a general health assessment, we can provide a physical exam at an affordable out-of-pocket rate.
