THE TWELVE+ YEAR VISIT
12+ YEARS (adolescent visits)
At these visits, we will:
- Measure height, weight, and blood pressure
- Perform vision test
- Conduct adolescent questionnaires with patient
- Administer vaccines due (HPV, MCV4 at 16 years)
- Standard urine screening (at 16+ years)
- Routine Cholesterol test (at 17 years)
GUIDANCE
As your child is now in early adolescence, the physical exam will focus on diseases and conditions that affect children in this age range. They include regularly checking blood pressure, as is done during adult physical exams, as well as looking for signs of healthy pubertal development.
We will also start asking your child more serious questions at this time covering topics such as home and school life, your child’s friends, possible bullying, online safety, and exposure to drugs, alcohol, and sex. Because of the sensitive nature of these topics, this is the age at which your child’s provider may ask you to step out of the room. Building doctor-patient trust is essential at this age. A strong relationship between adolescents and their health care providers enables full disclosure of health information, and promotes confidence and self-management abilities that help them take care of themselves for the rest of their lives.
All of the information provided by your adolescent will be kept confidential. If, however, we feel that your child is at risk of hurting themselves or others, we will certainly discuss this with you. All health care providers are mandatory reporters for the health and safety of children.
RESOURCES
Adolescence can be a challenging and exciting time for teens and their families. We compiled a list of resources that we’ve found to be helpful and informative. Tribeca Pediatrics pediatricians support patients from birth to early adulthood. Some of our team has undergone additional training to consult and support adolescents, recognizing the challenge teens and their families face in accessing mental healthcare. Below are the services we provide both in person and virtually.
- Mental health screenings
- Evaluation and management of ADHD, depression and anxiety
- Sexual health and contraception management
- Obesity screening and counseling