UCLA Club Sports

What is a Sports Pre-participation Physical Evaluation (PPE)?
The goal of the sports physical, also known as the Pre-participation Physical Evaluation (PPE), is to promote the health and safety of athletes in training and competition. The PPE is to facilitate and encourage safe participation in sports, not to exclude athletes from participation.


Is the PPE the same thing as a regular physical or health maintenance exam?
No, the PPE is not intended to replace routine health maintenance visits with your healthcare provider. The PPE screens for conditions that may be life-threatening or disabling with participation in sport or for conditions that may predispose an athlete to injury or illness. Submitting a copy of a prior routine physical or health maintenance exam will not be accepted as your UCLA Club Sport PPE.


Who is qualified to perform a PPE?
Medical personnel qualified to perform a PPE are physicians (MD, DO), nurse practitioners (NP, RNP), or physician assistants (PAs). PPEs completed by chiropractors, acupuncturists, physical therapists, massage therapists or other providers will not be accepted.


Which club sport teams require a PPE?
Participation requirements vary by club sport. All athletes will either be required to complete a Pre-Participation Physical Evaluation (PPE) or complete a PPE Triage Questionnaire to determine whether a PPE is needed for participation.

• Questionnaire-based clearance process
  Athletes participating in clubs that use the questionnaire-based clearance process must first complete the PPE Triage Questionnaire in MyStudentChart. The Sports Medicine team will review your responses to determine whether a PPE is required based on your medical history and other relevant factors.
  • How to complete the PPE Triage Questionnaire (see step-by-step instructions here):
    • Log in to MyStudentChart (MyChart - Login Page).
    • Select Menu.
    • Choose Questionnaires.
    • Select Club Sports Health Screening & Clearance Questionnaire
    • Answer required questions
    • Submit the questionnaire
    • A member of the sports medicine team will review your questionnaire and will be in touch within 5 business days.
    • Monitor your MyStudentChart account for follow-up instructions from the Sports Medicine team regarding your participation clearance requirements.

 

• PPE-based clearance process
  Athletes participating in clubs that use the PPE-based clearance process are required to complete a one-time PPE upon entry into the UCLA Club Sports Program. After the initial PPE is completed, additional physicals are generally not required unless mandated by the athlete's club or governing body. Some sports, such as boxing, may require annual sports physicals to maintain eligibility for competition.

 
How often do club sport athletes need a PPE?
For most UCLA Club Sport athletes, a Pre-Participation Physical Evaluation (PPE) is a one-time requirement when joining the Club Sports program.
 
After completing the initial PPE, additional sports physicals are generally not required unless they are specifically required by your club, league, national governing body, or competition regulations. Some sports, such as boxing, may require annual physicals to maintain eligibility for participation.
 
If you complete your PPE with a healthcare provider outside of The Ashe Student Health & Wellness Center, the physical exam must have been performed within 12 months prior to your entry into the UCLA Club Sports program to be accepted.
 

What form is needed for my PPE?
Athletes who complete their PPE at The Ashe Center will only need to complete the electronic questionnaire through their Ashe student portal. Please bring glasses or contacts for the vision screening at the time of your PPE.
Athletes who plan to complete their PPE outside of The Ashe Center should complete the two-page questionnaire (UCLA Medical Clearance Form (PPE) (PDF) PRIOR to their appointment (the clinician will sign the second and third page). No other medical forms will be accepted by Club Sports. Please bring glasses or contacts for the vision screening at the time of your PPE.
 

How do I schedule a PPE?
You can schedule a UCLA Club Sport Pre-participation Physical Evaluation (PPE) appointment at The UCLA Arthur Ashe Student Health Center in one of the following ways:

• Online: UCLA Arthur Ashe Patient Portal (MyChart - Login Page)
• In person: 1st floor of the UCLA Arthur Ashe Student Health & Wellness Center (Scheduling Desk)
• By phone: 310-825-4073

 
You can also schedule a PPE in one of the following ways (Please print and bring our PPE Form to appointment):

• WellnessMart 12200 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 
• CVS Pharmacy-Minute Clinic 
• Exer Urgent Care 2090 Westwood Blvd. Westwood, CA 90025
• Brentview Medical Urgent Care 11611 San Vicente Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90049
• Home Primary Care Physician (Cost: varies based on copay)

 
 
Will my insurance cover the cost of a PPE at The Ashe Student Health Center?
All registered full-time UCLA students, regardless of insurance coverage, can complete their Pre-Participation Physical Evaluation (PPE) at The Ashe Student Health Center.

• UC SHIP and BruinCare students: $0 out-of-pocket cost
• Non-SHIP students: $30 visit fee

Any applicable fee will be charged directly to your BruinBill. Please note that additional testing, laboratory services, imaging, or specialist referrals, if needed, may result in separate charges.
 

What happens after I have my PPE?
If you have done your PPE at The Ashe Center:

• If you are cleared at the time of your PPE appointment at The Ashe Center, no further action is required.
• In some cases additional evaluation may be necessary before you can be fully cleared to participate in Club Sports activities.

 
If you have done your PPE outside of The Ashe Center:

• Complete the Club Sports Health Screening & Clearance Questionnaire to submit outside PPE records (see step-by-step instructions here):
  • Log in to MyStudentChart (MyChart - Login Page).
  • Select Menu.
  • Choose Questionnaires.
  • Select Club Sports Health Screening & Clearance Questionnaire
  • Answer required questions and upload any necessary records (ie. PPE, medical records, imaging results, clearance letters to return to play) 
  • Submit the questionnaire
  • A member of the sports medicine team will review your response and records and will be in touch within 5 business days
  • Monitor your MyStudentChart account for follow-up instructions from the Sports Medicine team regarding your participation clearance requirements.
• If needed, you may be asked to provide additional medical records or schedule a visit with a Sports Medicine or Primary Care provider.
• Additional evaluation may be required before medical clearance for participation in Club Sport Activities.
• Please note: Submission of a PPE form does not guarantee medical clearance for participation in Club Sports. Clearance is determined after review of all required information.