Some practices send out a letter to the parents of early adolescents explaining the office's policy on confidentiality. Posters or educational information in the waiting room or exam rooms on substance abuse, nutrition, or sexuality, let the teen know that these are acceptable topics to discuss with the health care provider. Adolescents tend to prefer appointment times after school before they start their evening activities. Teens may feel more comfortable if there are more teens and fewer younger children in the waiting room. In general, fewer adolescents than younger children can be seen in the same time period.
Many offices operate with fewer staff near the end of the day when adolescents are scheduled.
Pediatricians are keenly positioned to impact the health of adolescents. All rights reserved.