School & Sports Physicals in Hilo & Across Hawaiʻi — Medicaid (QUEST) Accepted

A school or sports physical, also called a preparticipation physical evaluation, is a check-up that makes sure a child is healthy and safe to take part in school and athletic activities. It is also a great chance for a broader health check-in. At Ohana Care Clinic in Hilo, we make it easy to get your keiki cleared and ready.

What the exam covers

Following the American Academy of Pediatrics preparticipation evaluation, the visit reviews your child’s personal and family health history, including any heart symptoms or family history of sudden cardiac problems, and includes a focused exam of the heart, lungs, muscles, joints, and overall health. The main goals are to confirm your child can participate safely, to spot conditions that could raise the risk of injury or sudden cardiac arrest, and to address any concerns before the season starts.

More than just clearance

Whenever possible, this exam is best done as part of your child’s regular well-child visit, so it counts for more than a signature. The AAP also recommends screening for depression, anxiety, and ADHD as part of the visit, which fits our whole-child approach. We are happy to complete the required forms for your child’s school or league.

When to schedule

Plan ahead. The AAP suggests having the physical done at least about six weeks before the first practice, so there is time to follow up on anything found. Reach out and we will get your keiki in and ready for the season.

Culturally grounded care

We care for the whole child, in the spirit of lōkahi — balance and harmony among the connected parts of life: the body, the mind and emotions, the spirit, the ʻohana (family), and our relationship with the ʻāina (land) and community. In a Native Hawaiian understanding of health, these are not separate, and neither is our care. To mālama (care for and protect) your keiki and to raise them pono (in balance and rightness), we listen to your family’s story, welcome your ʻohana into every visit, and honor the values and traditions that ground you. Offering kōkua (help given freely, with aloha) in a way that respects your family is at the heart of how we practice.

Insurance and how we see your keiki

We accept Medicare and Medicaid, including the Hawaiʻi QUEST Integration plans (AlohaCare, the Hawaiʻi Medical Service Association (HMSA), ʻOhana Health Plan, and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan), along with most commercial insurance, and we are accepting new pediatric patients in Hilo. Your child’s first primary-care visit is in person at our Hilo clinic. We see children in person for well-child exams, vaccines, and hands-on care, and we use telehealth for follow-ups and questions. Pediatric behavioral health with our mental-health providers can begin by video; care from our primary-care team starts with an in-office visit.

Common questions about school and sports physicals

What is checked in a sports physical?

Following AAP guidance, we review personal and family health history (including heart symptoms and family history of sudden cardiac problems) and examine the heart, lungs, muscles, joints, and overall health, to confirm your child can participate safely.

When should my child get a sports physical?

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests scheduling it at least about six weeks before the first practice, so there is time to address anything found. Whenever possible, it is best combined with the yearly well-child visit.

Can you fill out my child’s school or league forms?

Yes. We complete the required preparticipation and school forms as part of the visit.

What insurance do you accept for pediatric care?

We accept Medicare and Medicaid, including the Hawaii QUEST Integration plans (AlohaCare, HMSA, Ohana Health Plan, and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan), along with most commercial insurance. We are accepting new pediatric patients in Hilo.

References

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2019). Preparticipation physical evaluation (PPE) (5th ed.). Retrieved June 29, 2026, from https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/preparticipation-physical-evaluation/

Papa Ola Lōkahi. (n.d.). Native Hawaiian health. Retrieved June 29, 2026, from https://www.papaolalokahi.org/

This page is general health education from Ohana Care Clinic, reviewed by Donna Leonard, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, and written by George Mackel, MSN, APRN, NP-C, PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP. It is not a substitute for a personal evaluation by a qualified clinician who knows your child’s situation, and reading it does not create a provider–patient relationship. If you are worried about your child’s health, reach out to us or another licensed provider. In an emergency, call 911.

Donna Leonard, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, and George Mackel, MSN, APRN, NP-C, PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP — President & Owner