Doctor’s Appointments
One day, you’ll have to go to the doctor’s by yourself, without a parent to guide you and answer questions for you. Even if you don’t go alone, it’s important to have one-on-one time with your healthcare provider to learn how to have independent conversations with authority figures, and also to speak about any sensitive questions or concerns you have and may not want to talk about in front of a parent. Regardless, here’s what you should know about the preparation and the actual day of your first independent doctor’s appointment.
Scheduling the Appointment:
Before you call to schedule your appointment, write down multiple days and times that will fit your schedule best. Consider work, school, and other events that you may have.
When you call, tell the person who is scheduling you these dates and times that work best for you. Also ask if any tests will be run during the appointment that may require you to fast (not eat) for a certain time before the appointment. Also ask about any other special requirements that you may need to fulfill before the appointment.
If you need to cancel an appointment for some reason, try to do so at least 24 hours in advance as you may be charged a fee for not cancelling or cancelling too late.
Finally, remember that when making an appointment, you don’t need to be feeling sick or have any injuries. Preventive care, or whenever your doctor just gives you a checkup, is a very important and crucial part of maintaining proper health, too. So make sure you make appointments for these visits, when you feel perfectly normal, as well.
If you are 14 years or older, you do not need your parent's/caregiver's permission to seek mental health or sexual health services, so you can make an appointment for these services all on your own.
Prepping for the Appointment:
The day before the appointment, try to organize your own medical information personal health file. This should include copies of your health insurance card, emergency medical information, immunization records, medications, history of blood work and medical tests, hospitalizations, and any other insurance receipts or information. Bring this information to the appointment the next day.
Before the appointment, write down any questions you want to ask your doctor.
Wear clothes and shoes that make it easy for you to get dressed and undressed.
Organize your transportation. Coordinate ahead of time to make sure you get to the office early, and if you are running late, call the office to let them know. However, try to be early or on time as your doctor may not be able to see you if you are more than 15 minutes late.
Allow ample time for parking and don’t forget to bring some cash as there may be parking fees. Not all doctor’s offices validate fully.
Finally, if you’re going to the doctor for a problem, take notes of exact details of the problem or pain as it happens. The doctor will often ask you questions like how often do you feel pain, when do you feel it, (after eating, before?), where exactly the pain is, (top of abdomen, lower?) and what type of pain it is (burning, cramping, etc.). Taking specific notes answering these questions as part of your appointment preparation will greatly help your doctor understand your problem and treat it.
At the Appointment (what to know and bring):
Know your basic health information and medical history. This can include: allergies, family health history, and surgeries.
Know your insurance coverage (type of insurance plan) and who can access your healthcare data (parents or other healthcare providers).
Know any medications you take. Know their name, what they’re taken for, how long you’ve taken them, the exact dosage, and any notable side effects.
Bring all necessary documents with you, including your ID, insurance card, emergency contact list, and allergy and medication information. Also have your social security number memorized.
Bring a personal calendar so you know when is a good time for you to schedule another appointment if need be.
Tell the truth! Don’t be afraid to speak to your doctor or health care provider honestly. You should tell them about any personal facts or behaviors, even if that may include sex, drugs, drinking, other high-risk behaviors, or mental health issues. They are there to help you! Because of confidentiality (HIPAA) laws, doctors generally won’t be able to tell your parents about what you’ve spoken to them about in your one-on-one time without your consent.
After the Appointment:
Write down in your calendar any follow-up appointments scheduled
Pick up any prescriptions
File any medical or diagnostic reports in a safe place, if given any
Remember important information or advice your doctor shared and put them into action!
Source:
Beaumont Healthcare System “What Every Teen Should Know About Their Health” article: https://www.beaumont.org/health-wellness/news/what-every-teen-should-know-about-their-health#:~:text=Know%20what%20medications%20you%20take,or%20other%20high%2Drisk%20behaviors.
US HHS Department “What to Expect in Adolescent Health Visits”: https://www.hhs.gov/ash/oah/adolescent-development/physical-health-and-nutrition/healthcare-transition-for-adolescents/what-to-expect-in-adolescent-health-visits/index.html
