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Caring for Adolescents
We care for adolescents to 21 years of age, and consider adolescents
special patients in our offices. Regular checkups during adolescence
are essential to assure your child is current on immunization; prepared
to participate fully in school, sports and camp; encouraged to maintain
good health habits; and given an opportunity to address common
adolescent concerns such as acne, weight or eating problems, sleep
issues, depression and mental health problems, sexuality, and substance
use / abuse. At the time of the check-up,
adolescents and parents are given a special letter explaining their new
relationship with the doctor.
Letter for adolescents:
Now that you have reached adolescence, there are several matters we
would like to discuss with you concerning your relationship to our
practice.
First, we encourage you to continue your health care with us
until you are age 21. At that time, we will help you find a new
physician best suited to your needs and personality. For those of you
over 16, we encourage you to make your own appointment and come alone
if you wish. All teenagers are given the option of whether or not the
parent accompanies them into the examination.
Second, we will ask you to be completely unclothed at the time
of your annual physical. Females will be given an examination gown to
cover their body and males a terry cloth shower towel to place around
their waist.
Third, female teenagers will be given instructions on
examining their own breasts for abnormalities and both males and
females will be taught how to examine their own genitals. We will do
pelvic examinations and pap smears on females depending on their age,
sexual maturation and symptoms.
Finally, you are now a responsible, maturing individual, and
as such, are encouraged to discuss with us by phone or in person
matters relating to your body and mind, including such topics as drugs,
alcohol and smoking. Also, we will be delighted to counsel you
concerning your vocational goals. Confidentiality will be maintained
between the patient and doctor unless we think there is a possibility
of physical harm to someone. In that case, we feel obligated to inform
a responsible person.
In summary, due to the rapid physical, mental and social
changes in your life at this time, we feel it is important for you to
continue with a physician who is trained in the care of adolescents,
and in many cases has known you for most of your life and has watched
you mature to the young adult you are today.
As we have always done, we will continue to refer unusual problems to appropriate specialists.
Sincerely,
Northside Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine
Letter for parents:
Dear Parent,
Now that your child is entering adolescence, there are some things we would like to bring to your attention that are important to enhance communication and provide optimal care for your family.
As you are aware, in addition to the physical and sexual changes that are or will be soon be taking place, there are significant changes in attitudes and feelings at this age. It is important that we respect the feelings, wishes, and concerns of your teen, and be aware of the confidential nature of our interactions. Therefore, during future well visits to the office, your teenager will receive a confidential questionnaire that the doctor and your child will review together. There will be some things that your teenager will be comfortable talking about only to the medical professional.
We very much appreciate your understanding of the effectiveness of this new adolescent/doctor relationship. We think your child will appreciate it as well.
Another reason for this special relationship is to make your adolescent aware of the importance of accepting responsibility for his/her health. For example, we will try to educate your child on appropriate food choices and eating habits, regular exercise routines and safety issues of concern to teenagers.
We enjoy treating your children and look forward to many more years of continuing medical care for your budding young adult and we will be delighted to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.
Sincerely,
Northside Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine
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