Teen Health

Located in the Center for Pediatric Medicine, the Adolescent Clinic provides a wide range of services specially designed to meet the needs of adolescents. We work with a multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, social workers, and case managers to provide comprehensive care for our patients. Services offered include:

• Preventive visits
• Adolescent immunizations
• Sports physicals
• Acne management
• Obesity screening and counseling
• Reproductive health and Contraceptive counseling
• Behavioral health
• Evaluation of sports injuries or other musculoskeletal problems

Our goal is to help patients and their families feel prepared for the transition from the Center for Pediatric Medicine to an adult provider by the time the patient turns 18 or graduate from high school, whichever is later. For most young people, being prepared for this transition means gaining the necessary skills and knowledge to look after their own health.

Some of the skills include:

• Advocating for themselves (or through others) and learning how to ‘speak up’ about issues
• Taking on more responsibility and leadership for one’s own health – this might include tasks such as taking medication the right way, following up on recommendations from health-care providers and taking action when unexpected symptoms appear
• Accessing health care appropriately – for example, by learning how to book appointments, contacting the pharmacy for refills and showing up to appointments on time

Beginning at age 11, providers will meet with patients individually for part of their visit to discuss any health issues the patient may have. As patients near time to transfer to adult care, our office will help coordinate a smooth transition to their chosen adult provider.