As with younger children, it is vitally important for your teen to continue to have routine checkups. These medical visits allow the doctor to detect problems and to make sure your teen is growing and developing as expected. The doctor will do a physical exam and ask questions about your teen’s social, academic, relationship, and mental health status. Your teen’s immunization record will be reviewed, and needed immunizations can be given at this time.
Beginning in the early teen years, most doctors like to spend some time alone with your teen during the visit. Hopefully, you will all agree that anything your teen discusses privately with the doctor will remain confidential, with few exceptions. This gives your teenager an opportunity talk with the doctor about any issue your teen may not feel comfortable sharing with you. Many state laws are vague about teens’ rights to medical confidentiality, your doctor can clarify expectations.