Virtual Sports Physicals: Fast, Convenient Medical Clearance for Student Athletes

Between school, practice schedules, and everything else on a family's plate, finding time for an in-person sports physical can be its own kind of workout. Ayah Health now offers virtual sports physicals, a convenient way for student athletes to get the medical clearance they need without taking a chunk out of the week.

What Is a Sports Physical?

A sports physical, formally known as a pre-participation physical evaluation (PPE), is a health screening required by most schools and athletic leagues before a student can practice or compete. It's designed to catch conditions that could put an athlete at risk during physical activity, things like heart abnormalities, asthma, a history of concussions, or an injury that hasn't fully healed, and to clear athletes who are healthy and ready to play.

How Telemedicine Makes It Easier

Most of a sports physical is actually a conversation: a detailed review of medical history, family history, prior injuries, and any symptoms that show up during exercise. That conversation works well over video. Dr. Akram walks through the same history questions used in a standard PPEm cardiac symptoms, concussion history, asthma, heat illness, sickle cell status, current injuries, and more, and issues a clearance form when appropriate, all from a video visit you can do from your kitchen table.

What to Expect During the Visit

• A quick intake describing the sport, level of play, and any current injuries or concerns.
• A guided history covering cardiac symptoms (chest pain, fainting, or palpitations during exercise), family history of sudden cardiac death, concussion history, exercise-induced asthma, heat illness, and sickle cell trait or disease.
• A video conversation with Dr. Akram to review your answers and address any questions.
• A clearance form issued electronically if no concerns are identified.

The Cost: $40 Flat Fee

Virtual sports physicals are $40, billed directly by Ayah Health, separate from the standard PushHealth platform fee. No surprise charges, no waiting room, no missed practice.

One Important Limitation

Because this exam is conducted over video rather than in person, it does not include a hands-on physical exam. That means it may miss subtle findings such as a faint heart murmur or a physical exam finding that requires touch to detect, that an in-person physical could catch. If your school or league requires an in-person exam, or if you have any history of cardiac symptoms, fainting during exercise, or a recent injury, an in-person evaluation may be the safer or more appropriate choice.

Before booking, it's also worth double-checking with your school or league that a telehealth-issued clearance form will be accepted, requirements vary by district and organization.

How to Book

Getting started takes just a few minutes. Head to the intake chat, let us know you're looking for a sports physical, and answer a short set of guided questions. Dr. Akram will review your history and connect with you over video to complete the evaluation.