There’s more to an annual physical exam than healthy habits. For high school athletes, a doctor’s visit is also an opportunity to get athletic clearance forms signed. Kids attending summer camp need health reports too. And teens heading off to college must submit full medical and immunization reports to their universities by early summer or risk registration problems and even fines. So here are some quick tips on planning those important doctor's visits:

 

• If you have a high school athlete, book that doctor’s appointment for late spring or early summer so the forms are finished in plenty of time.
   
  
• Most summer camps want health records that are no more than a year old. Sooner is better, so aim for February or March.
   
  
• If you have a teen heading off to college, the medical paperwork load is serious. Make an appointment for late April or May, and read through the paperwork carefully. Some schools have TB screening requirements with time restrictions. Your child may need new immunizations as well.
   
  
• Forms vary dramatically from college to college (and camp to camp). Make life easier by reading the paperwork thoroughly before the doctor's appointment. Fill out everything you can, and highlight or flag everything the doctor must fill out, stamp or sign. It's a lot. Save yourself a second trip by double-checking everything before leaving the doctor’s office. Save yourself some hassle by copying the paperwork before mailing it.
   
  
• P.S. A key part of helping your child become independent, whether it’s away at college or simply living on his own, is preparing him to take care of his own health. This is the perfect time to have the "what to do when you get sick" discussion.