Time for back-to-school health exams

With the start of the school year just a few weeks away, it is important that parents schedule back-to-school health exams for their children now.  The Lake Forest Patch just recently reported on high school and sports physicals in the story at this link:

http://lakeforest.patch.com/groups/schools/p/deadline-approaches-for-lake-forest-high-school-freshmen

Additionally the State of Illinois has several required forms for elementary school to ensure that children have received their well visits and are current with immunizations. 

·         The State of Illinois Certificate of Child Health Examination Form must be completed for all children who are entering Kindergarten and 6th grade. Your doctor will complete the form and review the child’s immunization record to ensure that the child has received all the immunizations needed.  All Northwestern Memorial Physicians Group (NMPG) pediatricians have the form in their office and will complete it there during your visit. Visit nmpg.com/pediatrics/physicians to view a listing of NMPG pediatricians.

·         The Proof of School Dental Examination Form must be completed for all students entering Kindergarten, 2nd grade and 6th grade.  Most dentist offices will have the form in their office and will be prepared to complete the form for you upon your visit. 

·         The State of Illinois Eye Examination Report must be completed for all students entering Kindergarten.  Students must be examined by an ophthalmologist or optometrist; the eye check-up in the pediatrician’s office will not qualify. The ophthalmologist or optometrist’s office will have a copy of the form to complete for you.

“We urge parents to schedule appointments as quickly as possible because pediatric offices fill up in these last few weeks before school starts,” said Peter Lechman, MD, a Northwestern Memorial Physicians Group pediatrician based at the Northwestern Medicine Glenview Outpatient Center.  “This visit is an ideal time to discuss any health issues that may have arisen during the past year. Additionally, it is essential that your child has the necessary health forms completed to help ensure an easy transition back to school.”

For more information or to schedule an office visit with an NMPG pediatrician, visit www.nmpg.com/pediatrics.