MinuteClinic named official sports physical provider of USA Football

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark’s MinuteClinic has inked a joint marketing and sponsorship agreement with USA Football, football's national governing body and, as part of the agreement, has been named USA Football's official sports physical provider.



Through the affiliation, all USA Football members can receive a discount when they obtain their sports physical at MinuteClinic year-round. A coupon will be made available to members and must be presented at the time of visit to receive the discount.



Sports physicals at MinuteClinic are offered seven days a week with no appointment necessary inside more than 850 select CVS/pharmacy stores nationwide. Now through Sept. 30, sports physicals are offered at a reduced price of $39. USA Football members receive an additional $5 off when they present the coupon.



"USA Football is a national leader and innovator in promoting health and safety among youth athletes, which sets a standard for football organizations and other sports to follow," said Nancy Gagliano, MinuteClinic chief medical officer. "We are proud to be associated with a like-minded organization that puts player safety first and shares in our goal to help youth athletes stay healthy and play their best."



USA Football's Medical Advisory Committee, a group of doctors with backgrounds in orthopedics, sports medicine, neurological injury, rehabilitation medicine, athletic training, sports cardiology, hydration and environmental issues and exercise science, recommends that all youth and high school athletes receive a sports physical prior to the start of a new playing year. A sports physical should not replace an annual wellness physical with a primary care provider.



MinuteClinic Chief Nurse Practitioner Officer Angela Patterson said parents can expect a thorough examination at MinuteClinic.



"During the visit, our trained practitioners perform a comprehensive medical history review, check to see if immunizations are up to date, and measure height and weight," Patterson stated. "Practitioners will then assess vital signs and perform a thorough physical examination, which includes an assessment of the patient's neurological, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and dermatologic health."



The visit is an overall assessment aimed at identifying athletes that may be at risk for further injury or illness due to sports participation, according to Patterson. Athletes identified as being at-risk are referred for additional medical evaluation prior to allowing them to participate.

MinuteClinic practitioners also take time to answer questions and share educational tips about the importance of stretching, hydrating and avoiding overexertion, according to Patterson. Once a child is cleared to participate, MinuteClinic practitioners will provide a patient visit summary and complete the provided USA Football medical history form that indicates that the child has passed the physical exam. Copies of the patient visit summary can be transmitted by electronic record, fax or mail to the youth's pediatrician or primary care provider with parental permission. Typically this occurs within 24 hours.



In addition to being the official sports physical provider of USA Football, MinuteClinic is the official retail medical clinic of USA Football. MinuteClinic also is the official sports physical provider for Pop Warner Little Scholars, a USA Football supporter and nonprofit organization that provides youth football, dance and cheerleading programs across the country.



MinuteClinic also offers camp, college and administrative physicals on a daily basis at locations around the country. Insurance is not accepted for physical exams.