Most adolescent mortality and morbidity is preventable, but attempts to intervene have met with limited success. Adolescents see office-based physicians less often than any other age group, although they have higher rates of chronic medical illness and behavioral problems than do younger children. The initial history and physical examination for a new adolescent patient are estimated to require 30-45 minutes. The goals of adolescent health care are to provide complete physical and psychosocial evaluation and treatment in an atmosphere of trust and confidentiality. However, adolescents face numerous barriers to receiving proper care and are inexperienced in utilizing the health care system.
Adolescents face significant financial barriers to health care.
The system may be an overwhelming experience that deters or delays care for adolescents first trying to use health services independently. Over half of all adolescent mothers receive inadequate prenatal care. - Adolescents who received inadequate prenatal care are more likely to describe confusion about available services and medical coverage, have a negative opinion of physicians, and consider prenatal care as unimportant. They are also delayed in recognizing or acknowledging their pregnancy. Poverty is the single most important factor affecting the health status of adolescents. Adolescents, age 15-19, are more likely than any other age group to be uninsured or underinsured.