Free Injury Exams by Orthopaedic Physician on Saturdays for Student Athletes

8-10 a.m. each Saturday, Aug. 25-Nov. 10

GULF BREEZE, Fla., Aug. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Student athletes concerned about an injury will now have access to free injury evaluations by an orthopaedic physician on Saturdays at the Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine. The "Student-Athlete Injury Clinic" will be available each Saturday morning from 8-10 a.m., Aug. 25-Nov. 10. No appointment is necessary. The clinic is open to student athletes, ages five and up, active in any sport.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120823/DC61977)

Students may check-in from 8-10 a.m. in the Andrews Institute Rehabilitation center, Suite 101, on the Andrews Institute campus, 1040 Gulf Breeze Pkwy., Gulf Breeze, Fla. Exams are performed by an orthopaedic physician and a certified athletic trainer and are provided on a walk-in basis. The initial assessment is performed free of charge.

If an injury is assumed, the athlete may undergo a round of diagnostic imaging such as an X-ray to further diagnose their condition. Once a diagnosis is made, they may be referred to another physician for further exams or testing to assess the need for rehabilitation and/or surgery. The additional testing would be billed to their insurance.

Student athletes who are under the age of 18 must either be accompanied by their legal guardian or have a waiver signed by their parent. This form is available at the Andrews Institute website, TheAndrewsInstitute.com. Athletes should also bring their insurance documentation. Additional questions can be directed to Jeremy Lowery, director of sports medicine at 850.916.8615 or Maria Halpin, quality and access manager, at 850.916-8708. For an immediate need after normal business hours that is not life-threatening, call 850.554.9144.

Through its commitment to the schools, Baptist Health Care and the Andrews Institute provide comprehensive sports medicine services year round, both on and off the playing field, by providing free physicals to more than 3,000 athletes annually. Certified athletic trainers (ATCs) and team physicians are assigned to each high school in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties in Florida, as well as Foley High School in Alabama. Trainers visit schools daily to evaluate athletes. They provide coverage at practices and home games for injury evaluation and management, plus follow-up care. The ATCs and physicians are available to the coaches, parents and athletes for consultation, advice and assistance. The Andrews Institute's ATCs help navigate athletes through the health care delivery process.

Contact: Ashley Chisholm, Marketing Director
Andrews Institute
850.916.8571, [email protected]

SOURCE Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine