Florida now requires a screening electrocardiogram (ECG) before many high school students can try out, practice, or play a school sport. At Archangel Michael Health, Dr. Christopher L. Bray, MD — a board-certified internist — comes to your home in Gainesville, performs the annual sports physical and a full 12-lead ECG in the same visit, reads the ECG himself, and completes the FHSAA paperwork your school needs.
No waiting room, no separate ECG appointment, and no wondering who read the tracing. One house call, one physician, and your athlete is ready for tryouts.
Florida’s new ECG requirement for student athletes
Under Florida’s Second Chance Act (section 1006.20, Florida Statutes), beginning with the 2026–2027 school year a student in grades 9 through 12 must have a screening ECG the first time he or she participates in, or tries out for, an interscholastic sport at an FHSAA member school. In practice, that means most incoming ninth graders and any older student joining a school team for the first time.
- It is a one-time requirement. An ECG completed on or after July 1, 2024 counts.
- The annual sports physical is still required every year. The ECG is in addition to the physical, not a replacement for it.
- The ECG is documented on the FHSAA EL1 form. The physical is documented on the FHSAA EL2 form.
- ECGs are read using the International Criteria for ECG interpretation in athletes, as recommended by the FHSAA Sports Medicine Advisory Committee.
- Exemptions exist. A parent may object in writing for religious reasons, or a physician may issue a certificate of medical exception (FHSAA ME1 form).
What’s included in your house-call visit
- An unhurried pre-participation history and physical exam, including a careful review of personal and family heart history
- A standard 12-lead resting ECG performed in your home
- Physician interpretation of the ECG by Dr. Bray using athlete-specific International Criteria
- Completion and signature of the FHSAA EL2 (physical) and EL1 (ECG) forms
- A plain-language explanation of the results for you and your athlete before we leave
- Help arranging further evaluation if anything needs a closer look
Pricing
Simple, upfront prices — no insurance required and no surprise bills.
- Sports physical + 12-lead ECG (house call): $120 for the first athlete
- Each additional sibling at the same house call: $60 (also includes the physical and ECG)
- 12-lead ECG only, physician-read (house call): $50 — for athletes who already have a current physical and just need the ECG and EL1 form
Already an Archangel Michael Health member? Ask us about sports physicals for your family.
Who we see
- Ages 14 and up. A parent or legal guardian must be present for athletes under 18.
- House calls in Gainesville and Alachua County, Florida.
- No membership needed for a one-time sports physical or ECG.
If the ECG shows something
Most athlete ECGs are normal, and many differences seen in athletes are simply the heart adapting to training. When a finding does need a closer look, the student will need further evaluation and written medical clearance before participating. Dr. Bray will explain what was found, what it may or may not mean, and help coordinate the right next step — such as an echocardiogram or a referral to a pediatric or sports cardiologist — so your athlete isn’t left in limbo.
A screening ECG is not a guarantee against every heart problem, and it does not replace paying attention to warning signs. Any athlete who faints or nearly faints during exercise, has chest pain or a racing heartbeat with exertion, or has a family history of sudden cardiac death before age 50 should be evaluated promptly, regardless of a prior normal ECG.
Why choose a physician house call?
- One visit, done right. The exam, the ECG, the interpretation, and the forms are all handled at once.
- A physician reads the ECG. Dr. Bray is a board-certified internist with more than 19 years of experience, and he personally reviews every tracing.
- Time for questions. No rushed lines at a screening event — you get real answers in your own living room.
- Convenient for families. Siblings can be seen during the same visit at a reduced price.
How to prepare
- Have your athlete wear a loose shirt or one that can be easily lifted for the ECG.
- Download your school’s current FHSAA forms and complete the parent and student sections in advance, if possible.
- Bring a list of any medications, allergies, and prior heart testing, and know your family’s heart history.
- Bring glasses or contacts if your athlete wears them, for the vision check.
Frequently asked questions
Does my child need an ECG every year?
No. Under current Florida law the ECG is required once — the first time a student in grades 9 through 12 participates in an interscholastic sport. The sports physical, however, is required every year.
My student had an ECG last year. Does it count?
An ECG completed on or after July 1, 2024 satisfies the requirement, as long as it is documented on the FHSAA EL1 form. If you have the tracing, Dr. Bray can review it with you.
Do you bill insurance?
No. Archangel Michael Health does not bill insurance. You pay one transparent price at the visit.
What ages do you see for sports physicals?
We see athletes 14 and older for sports physicals and ECG screening. A parent or guardian must be present for anyone under 18.
What if the ECG is abnormal?
Dr. Bray will review the findings with you, explain what they mean, and help coordinate follow-up testing or a cardiology referral. Your athlete will need written medical clearance before participating.
Do you do sports physicals by telehealth?
No. A sports physical requires a hands-on exam and the ECG must be recorded in person, so these are done by house call.
Schedule your sports physical
The first step is our New Patient Application. It takes just a few minutes — once it’s in, we’ll contact you to schedule your athlete’s house call. Booking early before tryouts is the best way to make sure your forms are ready on time.
Not ready to commit yet? Request a free discovery call or call (352) 441-9110, and Dr. Bray’s team will set up a time to answer your questions. You may also want to learn more about direct primary care in Gainesville.