While babies and young children visit their pediatrician regularly, the number of visits tends to drop once they reach school age. Many healthy kids only see their doctor for illnesses or sports physicals. This means they’re missing out on consistent, thorough care from a clinician who knows them well.
Why Well-Teen Visits Matter
“Even healthy kids need regular preventive healthcare, especially as they enter adolescence,” says Jeri Lantz, MD, Carilion Clinic Adolescent Medicine. “Connecting yearly with teens allows healthcare professionals to track changes in physical, mental and social development, which happen at a rapid pace during the teen years.”
By continuing well-visits into adolescence, teens receive crucial preventive screenings and proactive care, setting the foundation for a healthy adulthood.
What Happens During a Well-Teen Visit?
During the visit, physicians typically:
- Ask about school, home life, friendships, hobbies, sleep habits, diet and more
- Review health, surgical and family medical history
- Screen for health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, depression and anxiety
- Perform a physical exam, including checking ears, eyes, nose, throat, heart, lungs, muscles and joints
- Offer teens a private space to discuss sensitive topics and ask questions they may not feel comfortable sharing with parents
Dr. Lantz highlights the importance of engaging teens in conversations about their lives. “Teens who have a trusted relationship with their doctor are more likely to open up about their well-being,” she explains.
Teen Health Risks
Adolescents are at higher risk for preventable health concerns, including risk-taking behaviors like:
- Use of tobacco and other substances
- Alcohol consumption
- Eating disorders
- Unsafe sexual activity
Well-care visits provide a chance to discuss these sensitive subjects and promote positive habits, such as:
- Healthy food choices
- Regular exercise
- Good oral hygiene
- Healthy sleep habits
- Managing stress
“The habits teens develop during adolescence shape their lifelong health and decision-making,” says Dr. Lantz.
To schedule a well-teen visit, reach out to Carilion Clinic Adolescent Medicine.
