Preparticipation Physical Exams: The Rhode Island Perspective, A Call for Standardization.

As of 2015, 98% of U.S. states require preparticipation exams (PPE) before participating in scholastic sports. Despite widespread availability of a PPE monograph endorsed by six medical societies, a lack of uniformity exists regarding implementation of the PPE among Rhode Island health care providers (HCPs). Consequently, significant variability exists regarding how comprehensive a history and physical exam screening is conducted for adolescent athletes looking for sports participation clearance. The purpose of this document is to: 1) establish a uniform screening process in Rhode Island for the PPE utilizing a peer-reviewed history and physical exam; 2) familiarize HCPs with the 2010 PPE monograph, with emphasis on the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal (MSK) systems; 3) encourage HCPs to treat the PPE as a separate entity from the annual wellness visit; 4) engage HCPs and sports medicine providers in Rhode Island to improve the quality and process of evaluating adolescent athletes for sports participation. [Full article available at https://rimed.org/rimedicaljournal-2016-10.asp].