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Showing posts from November, 2024

Is a School Physical Really Necessary?

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The start of a new school year is a hectic time for most parents. New clothes, backpacks, textbooks, pencils, stationery – the shopping list often seems never-ending. But there is one annual routine that you cannot afford to ignore – the school physical. In this post, we will discuss some of the essential things you need to know about school physicals. Are school physicals necessary? Can you skip them? Why do they matter? What should you expect during a school physical? How do you prepare your child for a school physical? Are school physicals free/covered by insurance? These are just a few of the questions we will answer through this short, but information-packed guide. So, let’s get started with the basics. What Is a School Physical? A school physical exam is an annual medical check-up for your child. They are also called wellness checkups, well-child visits, and athletic or sports physicals. In most schools, these annual visits ...

What Is a Sports Physical?

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The sports physical is also known as a  preparticipation physical evaluation (PPE) . The sports history and exam help to tell if it's safe for you to participate in your sport. Most states require students have a sports physical before they can play school sports. But even if a sports physical isn't required, doctors still recommend getting one if you are active in any sports. The two main parts to a sports physical are the medical history and the physical exam. Medical History The medical history questions are usually on a form that you can bring home, so ask your parents to help you fill in the answers. If possible, ask both parents about family medical history. The medical history form includes questions about: medical problems that run in the family medical problems and illnesses that you have, such as asthma, diabetes, COVID-19, or  sickle cell trait previous hospitalizations or surgeries allergies (to insect bites, for example...

The Importance of School Physicals: When and Why You Should Schedule Them With UrgentWay

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At UrgentWay, we understand that maintaining your health is a lifelong journey, and it begins at a young age. One crucial aspect of your child’s health journey is regular school physicals. These examinations play a pivotal role in ensuring your child’s well-being and readiness for the school year ahead. In this blog, we’ll explore when and why you should schedule school physicals to provide your child with the best start to their academic year. When to Schedule School Physicals: Annually: It is generally recommended that children have a school physical every year. Annual check-ups allow healthcare professionals to monitor your child’s growth and development, track any changes, and address emerging health concerns promptly. Before Starting School: Most schools require a school physical exams   before a child enters kindergarten or begins their first year of school. This examination ensures that your child is physically prepared for the academic environment. Before Joi...

The Difference Between Post-Job Offer and Pre-Employment Physicals

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  These two exams sound very similar, but the tests performed during each examination are very different. A  pre-employment physicalexam  is actually focused more on mental ability; think of it as a placement test for a job. The tests performed can include evaluation of cognitive abilities, knowledge, language proficiency, and personality, as well as tests of motor skills. These tests, however, are not of a medical nature and cannot record any data that might be used to illegally discriminate from hiring.  By contrast, a post-job offer physical only occurs after a job offer has been extended to a candidate, and includes medical tests, and often a collection of medical history data.  Legality of Post-Job Offer Physicals The ADA specifically prohibits employers to require a medical exam  before  extending an offer of employment. Employers can, however, ask potential new hires to take ...

The Importance of Pre-Employment Medicals

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Pre-employment medical examinations serve as a cornerstone for employers in the hiring process, allowing them to evaluate candidates not just for skills and experience, but also for their physical and mental health. These comprehensive assessments often include a range of tests, from a basic medical assessment to a more specialized pre-employment physical, depending on the job requirements. Occupational health professionals play a pivotal role in this process, offering expert guidance on the types of assessments needed, interpreting results, and ensuring that all procedures meet legal standards. Their insights are invaluable in helping employers make informed hiring decisions that align with both the needs of the organization and the health of its employees. One of the primary benefits of pre-employment medicals is the ability to identify the most suitable candidates for specific roles, particularly those that may have special requirements such as heavy lifting or high-s...

Why Doctors Need a Certified Public Accountant

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  Doctors often face complex financial situations that differ significantly from those of other professionals. The nature of their income, investment opportunities, and financial obligations require a tailored approach to financial management. Here are key reasons why a Certified Public Accountant for doctors is essential: Complex Income Structures : Doctors may have multiple income streams, including salaries, private practice earnings, consulting fees, and investment income. A CPA specializing in medical finances can manage and optimize these diverse income sources effectively. Tax Planning and Compliance : The healthcare industry is subject to specific tax regulations and incentives. A Certified Public Accountant for doctors ensures compliance with these regulations, maximizes tax deductions, and helps minimize tax liabilities through strategic planning. Practice Management : Running a medical practice involves managing payroll, billing, expenses, and investments. A CPA provid...

What is a Federal Tax Extension?

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  A federal tax extension provides individual and business taxpayers extra time to file their federal tax returns. In most cases, an extension pushes the filing deadline from April 15 to October 15. However, it’s important to note that a tax extension only grants more time to file your return—it does not extend the time to pay any taxes due. Taxes must be estimated and paid by the original April deadline to avoid penalties and interest. Why File for a Tax Extension? There are several reasons why a taxpayer might file for an extension: Inadequate Documentation : You may need more time to gather essential tax documents, such as W-2 forms, 1099s, or expense receipts. An extension allows you to compile accurate records. Complex Financial Situations : If you have complex investments, multiple sources of income, or operate a small business, filing taxes can become time-consuming. An extension provides a buffer to manage these complexities. Unexpected Life Events : Life can be unpredicta...

What Is A Pre-Employment Medical Exam?

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Pre-Employment Medical Exam A pre-employment medical exam is beyond a mere job-seeking formality. It plays a pivotal role in the hiring process for numerous companies, organizations, municipalities, and school districts.  A pre-employment medical exam is a medical assessment conducted by a healthcare professional. This exam aims to evaluate a job candidate’s physical and mental health before they officially join the company. This is typically required for roles that involve physical labor or exposure to hazardous materials and a high-stress environment. Types of Pre-Employment Medical Exams General Pre-Employment Physical A general pre-employment physical checks an applicant's vital signs, including weight, blood pressure, pulse, and other necessary signs. This general physical may also incorporate an assessment of the candidate's respiratory system, cardiovascular structure, and abdominal organs. It is a preliminary check to identify potential underlying condition...