6,030
Sports Medicine Physicians
100%
Accepting patients
63%
Most common: MD
FindClarity lists 6,030 sports medicine physicians nationwide. 100% are currently accepting new patients. The most common credential is MD (63%). 74% accept Medicare.
Sports medicine physicians specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of injuries related to physical activity and exercise. They treat athletes at all levels, from weekend warriors to professionals, as well as active people dealing with musculoskeletal pain, concussions, and exercise-related conditions.
Sports medicine is a fellowship-trained subspecialty. Physicians complete a residency in family medicine, internal medicine, emergency medicine, or pediatrics, then a one- to two-year sports medicine fellowship. Unlike orthopedic surgeons (who can also subspecialize in sports), primary care sports medicine doctors focus on non-surgical treatment. They use injections, rehabilitation, bracing, and activity modification to help patients return to activity.
Sports medicine doctors treat more than just athletes. They help people at every fitness level stay active safely. Whether you are recovering from a running injury, managing chronic tendinitis, or trying to exercise with arthritis, they specialize in keeping you moving.
See a sports medicine doctor for sprains, strains, tendinitis, overuse injuries, stress fractures, concussions, exercise-related knee or shoulder pain, hip pain from running or cycling, back pain related to activity, and guidance on returning to exercise after injury or surgery. They are also a good resource for exercise prescription if you have chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or obesity.
The first visit includes a detailed history of your injury, activity level, and training habits. The doctor will perform a focused musculoskeletal exam, testing range of motion, strength, and stability of the affected area. They may use in-office ultrasound for real-time imaging. Treatment plans often combine physical therapy, targeted exercises, injection options (corticosteroid, PRP), and graduated return-to-activity protocols.
Office visit copay: $30-75 · In-office ultrasound: included in visit or $100-300 · Corticosteroid injection: $100-300 · MRI: $500-3,000
Primary care sports medicine doctors focus on non-surgical treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. Orthopedic surgeons can do both surgical and non-surgical treatment. If your injury clearly needs surgery (complete ACL tear, displaced fracture), an orthopedic surgeon is the right choice. For most other musculoskeletal problems, a sports medicine doctor offers expert non-surgical care and will refer for surgery only when necessary.
Not at all. Sports medicine doctors treat anyone with a musculoskeletal injury or activity-related pain. Weekend gardeners, office workers with repetitive strain, and older adults with balance concerns all benefit from sports medicine expertise. The specialty is about keeping people active, regardless of fitness level.
PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections use a concentrated sample of your own blood platelets, injected into the injured area to promote healing. Evidence supports their use for certain tendon injuries (tennis elbow, patellar tendinitis). Insurance coverage is limited. Discuss the evidence, expected timeline, and cost with your sports medicine doctor before pursuing these treatments.
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Sports medicine visits are covered as specialist visits under medical insurance. Physical therapy referrals are typically covered with visit caps. Imaging (MRI, ultrasound) may require prior authorization. PRP and regenerative injections are generally not covered by insurance and cost $500 to $2,000 per injection out of pocket. Standard corticosteroid injections are covered.