Sports physicians specialize in the physiology and biology of sports. They know the risks associated with the practice of sport, whether as an amateur or a competitor. When should a sports doctor be consulted? Can we get a refund?
Sports physicians specialize in physiology and biology of sport. They are consulted by professional or amateur athletes for various directions (injuries, resumption of physical activity, chronic pathology, pain, etc.). They may be subject to a refund According to the case. It’s what sports doctor? For what consult it? Is a prescription needed?
Definition: what is a sports doctor?
The role of the sports physician is to advise patients on their sports practicesbut is also an expert in the pathologies associated with the practice of sport or the resumption of sport. “In concrete terms, we know which pathologies are associated with which sports, and which practices increase the risk of having an injury”, explains Dr. Amina Fouzai, sports doctor. “We therefore advise our patients on good practices to avoid injuries or to optimize healing.” This specialist can practice in three different ways: in a sports health centre, directly in a club training center or in structures such as clinics or hospitals. This doctor is for athletes of all ages and all levels: his goal is to maintain and improve their physical condition.
What is the role of a sports doctor?
The sports doctor receives athletes (or amateurs) in consultation for many reasons: “There’s the acute traumafor example fractures, torn muscles, cruciate ligaments, etc., but also chronic pathologies”, explains the specialist. Among the most frequent pathologies encountered by this specialist, we find tendonitis, sprains, fractures and muscle contractures. The sports doctor with extensive knowledge in the muscle and bone system, he can offer more precise treatments, with a time off from sport adapted to the pathology, but also to the athlete’s pace of life. It is a real follow-up: the specialist can then advise his patient on the gradual resumption of his sport with a appropriate training volume. The sports doctor also gives a lot of advice on how to practice: “For example, for runners, it is advisable to running on athletics tracks, which are more flexible. Athletes should also be reminded that hydration and stretching are extremely important, adds the specialist.
Why go to see a sports doctor?
Anyone can see a sports doctor. “Most often it is for muscle aches or joints, shortness of breath”, explains the doctor. High-level athletes, they will rather consult for advice on the best way to practice their sport for avoid injury. “We can also consult to have tips for returning to sport after a long period of inactivity in the best conditions.” Indeed, the sports doctor will have more extensive knowledge of the joint painthat a general practitioner alone: “It will be able to provide many advice on training rhythms and the limits not to be exceeded. A sports doctor is also skilled in issue certificates of non-contraindication to sports practice. Finally, we will also find this specialist integrated into a training center, to follow up athletes, their injuries, but also to take stock of high-level athletes on an annual basis. These cardiac, biological and respiratory assessments are used to check that their state of health is compatible with high-level sport.
Do I need a prescription to see a sports doctor?
Prescription is not required to consult a sports doctor, but it is thanks to this document that reimbursement will be better.
“To begin, we will ask different questions to the patient, to understand why the person comes, if they practice a physical activity, if it is more leisure or competition”, describes Amina Fouzai. “It’s an important detail because, for competitions, there are specific deadlines and recovery must be faster”, she specifies. The doctor also asks for history of trauma to adapt their advice and treatment. Then, the consultation is quite classic, but more sport-oriented, to identify the problem and when it occurs in practice. Is it due to a change in training? With an increase in the pace of training, which would mean that the patient has a greater chance of triggering a pathology? A change of shoes for the runner? All these questions need to be answered. The doctor can also prescribe tests : X-rays, MRI, ultrasound or scanners are most often used in sport.
There are no special things to prepare before his visit to the sports doctor, except to remember to bring back all his old X-rays, even if they are normal. “It is also best to come in sportswear, because often, we ask to do flexions or movements. For runners, it is also preferable tobring your shoes, to see if they are suitable for this sport”, adds the doctor.
Is the sports doctor reimbursed?
The rates charged for a consultation with a sports doctor are subject to the same reimbursement scheme by Social Security as those with a general practitioner.
► With a sector 1 approved doctor, the refund is 70% from the basic rate of 25 euros.
► In the case of a sector 2 doctor, excess fees will not be reimbursed. Please note that certain examinations are not covered by Social Security, such as radiology or osteopathy and physiotherapy sessions. It is therefore recommended to check with your mutual health insurance if they are included in your package. For professional athletes, on the contrary, their health insurance covers more acts, such as physiotherapy sessions, rehabilitation or hospitalization costs, etc.
What training to become a sports doctor?
To become a sports doctor, you have to go through medical studies classics. In the sixth year, the student will pass the National Ranking Tests (ECN). It is important to be well classified, in order to then be able to choose the desired specialty. The future sports doctor will thus have to do a DES (Diploma of Specialty Studies) in general medicine, which lasts three years. After obtaining it, the student must still validate his thesis to obtain the title of doctor. Finally, to specialize in sports medicine, he has two choices: do a Sports medicine ability after finishing internship. It is a state diploma which is done in one year. Alternatively, the student can make a DESC (Complementary Specialized Study Diploma) in sports medicine, which takes two years.
Thanks to Dr. Amina Fouzai, sports doctor.