Bottom line: Lifecare Primary Medical in Richmond, TX helps college students and young adults 18 and older complete pre-enrollment physicals and school health forms, review immunization records against the CDC adult schedule, get sports clearance, screen for depression and anxiety and test confidentially for STIs. We review your records and administer or arrange required vaccines such as MenACWY, MenB, Tdap, HPV and flu. We do not see patients under 18.
Clinical guide
Primary care built for students 18 and older
Starting college, transferring schools or moving into your first apartment usually comes with a stack of health paperwork: an entrance physical, immunization records, sports clearance and sometimes a tuberculosis screening form. It is also the age when many people first take charge of their own health care. Lifecare Primary Medical in Richmond sees adults 18 and older, which makes us a convenient home base for college students, recent graduates and young professionals in Fort Bend County.
Our clinic sees adult patients only. Students who are 17 or younger should see a pediatric or family medicine provider.
Because you are an adult patient, your visit is between you and your provider. Your health information is shared with parents, schools or coaches only as you authorize under federal privacy law. Walk-ins and same-day visits are welcome, and telehealth is available for many follow-up concerns when you are back on campus.
College and pre-enrollment physicals
Many colleges, universities, nursing and health science programs and campus housing offices require a health form before you start. A pre-enrollment physical covers your medical history, medications and allergies, vital signs and a head-to-toe exam, and it is a good time to address anything you have been putting off, such as acne, headaches, sleep or weight concerns. Bring the following to make the visit efficient:
- Your school’s health form, printed or on your phone, with any deadlines
- Your immunization record, from a previous clinic, a school or the Texas immunization registry if you have it
- A list of medications and supplements, including any prescriptions you take for ADHD, asthma, allergies or mental health
- Your insurance card and photo ID
If your program requires lab work, such as titers to prove immunity or a tuberculosis blood test, we will review what is needed and draw blood in our office or arrange the test.
Immunization review and required vaccines
Vaccine requirements differ by school and program, and the CDC adult immunization schedule adds recommendations based on age and living situation. We review your records against your school’s form and the current CDC schedule, then administer or arrange the vaccines you still need.
| Vaccine | Who it is for | What to know |
|---|
| MenACWY (meningococcal conjugate) | First-year students living in residence halls who are unvaccinated or undervaccinated | A dose is advised if you have not had one since age 16; many schools require proof before move-in |
| MenB (meningococcal B) | Young adults through age 23, based on a discussion with your provider, and anyone at higher risk | MenACWY does not protect against serogroup B; MenB is a separate vaccine series |
| Tdap / Td | All adults | One Tdap dose if you never had one as an adult or teen, then a booster every 10 years |
| HPV | Adults through age 26 who did not finish the series | Two or three doses depending on the age you started |
| Influenza | Everyone, every year | Shared dorms, classrooms and travel make the flu spread quickly on campus |
Requirements can change. Always confirm the exact vaccines and documents your school needs; we will match your record to that list.
Sports physicals for college athletes and club sports
Intramural, club and varsity programs often require a pre-participation exam. We review your personal and family history for warning signs such as fainting during exercise, chest pain or a family history of sudden cardiac death, check your heart, lungs, joints and vision, and complete your clearance form. When the history or exam raises concerns, an in-office EKG or a referral may be the next step. Learn more about our sports physicals.
Mental health screening and support
Depression and anxiety often start or worsen in the late teens and twenties, and the stress of exams, finances, relationships and moving away from home can make them harder to recognize. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends depression screening for all adults and anxiety screening for adults younger than 65. At your visit we use brief, validated questionnaires, talk through the results privately and agree on a plan. That may include counseling, medication when appropriate and referral to behavioral health specialists or your campus counseling center, with follow-up by telehealth when you are away at school.
If you or a friend are thinking about suicide or are in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or call 911.
Confidential STI testing
Sexually transmitted infections are common in young adults and often cause no symptoms. CDC recommends yearly chlamydia and gonorrhea screening for sexually active women younger than 25, HIV testing at least once for everyone, and more frequent testing for people at higher risk. Lifecare Primary Medical offers in-house STI testing with a confidential, judgment-free visit. We recommend tests based on your history, explain your results and treat or refer as needed. Your provider can also discuss prevention, including the HPV vaccine.
