News

Douglas, WY - Memorial Hospital of Converse County's physicians and staff recognize that the upcoming school year will be very different for parents and families in our communities than in years past. Previously, our clinics have hosted a Sports Physical Night, but the presence of COVID has affected our ability to do so this year. Instead, we have opted to move sports physicals under the umbrella of well-child visits.

"While sports physicals are a solution to ensure there are no obvious physical concerns, well-child visits offer a more comprehensive check-in for children and student-athletes," said Memorial Hospital of Converse Clinic Supervisor, Terry Moss. "These visits are a great habit to develop for families as they prepare for returning to school each year and are an excellent opportunity to get the input of your child's provider as the school year begins."

Annual well-child appointments are the preferred check-up by many of our providers. "During these appointments, your provider will check your child's physical and emotional development and offer guidance on or administer immunizations," shared Dr. Deeanne Engle, Head of Physicians at Memorial Hospital of Converse County. "This appointment offers the time to discuss concerns or raise questions you have about your child's health." Student-athletes can also bring their sports physical paperwork to their well-child check-up so they do not have to schedule two appointments.

An annual well-child visit is available at no cost through most insurance plans for patients under the age of eighteen. The following providers at MHCC will offer both well-child and sports physicals this year:

Kellie Clausen - FNP, Allison Barnett - PA-C, Dr. Deeanne Engle, Dr. Casey Starks, Melissa Bulkley - FNP, Dr. Alexander Lansang, Dr. Kathryn Skuza, Dr. Patrick Yost, Twyla Thalken - FNP-C, Toni Harms - PA-C, Amanda Dykes- DNP. Temberly Long, DNP, can assist patients in Glenrock, and Sheila Sterkel, PA-C, and her staff in Guernsey will establish two days on their calendar for students. Further, our Urgent Care can provide sports physicals as needed. Still, students and their families are encouraged to schedule an appointment with their provider as athletes will have less exposure to illness in the regular clinic setting. Routine immunizations are not available in our Urgent Care.

Sports physicals last fifteen minutes and are subject to health restrictions. If a patient opts for a sports physical, they need to fill out the required form before arriving for their appointment. The form is on our site at https://www.conversehospital.com/media/1729/sports-physicals-forms-combined.pdf

"Our goal at Memorial Hospital of Converse County is always to put the patient first. By working to encourage well-child visits, while supporting those who wish to receive a sports physical, we are hopeful we will provide for all needs as the school year begins," concluded Moss.