School Physicals and Famiy Budgets

Sending kids back to school can be a strain on the family budget, especially if you have to pony up for sports physicals and back-to-school vaccinations. Here are some tips that might help you defray those costs:

First, if you are lucky enough to be insured, check with your primary care provider. If sports physicals and vaccinations are included in the cost of a $10 or $20 copay, that probably will be your cheapest option. But make sure you call first your insurance company first to determine if your only out-of-pocket expense will be your copay, or if there will be any additional charges. 

Also If you are a DPS student the school district will provide your sports physical for $20 if you are in middle or high school. That is a pretty good deal.

Concentra Urgent Care is offering sports physicals for “around” $35.  Call your local center and get the exact price. Concentra also offers vaccinations, so if your child also needs shots, you may as well ask about price while you have them on the line. Concentra also accepts most types of insurance.

Select King Soopers stores around Colorado house “The Little Clinic” where you can get a sports physical (if you’re under 25) for $35.  No appointment is necessary – but it’s always a good idea to call ahead. Colorado locations here

The Walgreens Take Care Clinics are offering back-to-school sports physicals for $39  through Sept. 30, 2012. The clinics also offer vaccinations, so again, it doesn’t hurt to ask about cost. The Take Care Clinics also accept most types of insurance.

Denver  Sports & Family Chiropractic  offers same day appointments for $25.  You can schedule an appointment online or call ahead.  Office hours are M-Th 9AM– 7PM, Fri 9AM–1PM  1776 S. Jackson Street, Suite 810, Denver.

Rocky Mountain Urgent Care & Family Medicine offers sports and athletic physicals for $20.  You need to mention their newsletter, or bring in a copy.  Several locations throughout the metro area.

Finally, keep in mind that the federal Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program  offers FREE vaccinations  for children who are uninsured, underinsured, Medicaid-eligible, or American Indian or native Alaskan. Vaccines are administered by private and public health care providers who are enrolled in the VFC Program. If your child meets one of the above eligibility requirements, make sure to ask your doc if they are a VFC provider. If not, contact your state’s VFC Coordinator  to find out where to get your child vaccinated.