And if youre the parent in this scenario, it might be hard to step back.
Heres a guide to help young adults take charge of their health care.
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Before your kid grows up and moves out, you canand shouldencourage some independence at the doctors.
So as youre planning the visit, have your teen think of questions theyd like to ask.
Let them fill out their own paperwork when they get to the office.
And in conversations with the provider, let your kid speak first.
it’s possible for you to stand by as backup.
Obviously, this is all for older teens.
So youll need to plan for that.
Learn how to sign on to your insurance companys website.
Your checkups, birth control prescriptions, and recommended tests and screeningsall fall into this category.
As always, check with your insurance company for the specifics.
But ideally youll find a doctor you love and trust.
Start by asking around.
If you already have some kind of health professional you go to, ask if they can recommend someone.
For example, I found my kids pediatrician through a recommendation from my midwife.
When you call, start the conversation with a simple Id like to make an appointment.
After that, be ready with a one-sentence description of why you want to see the doctor.
Or My periods have been really heavy and painful and Im worried something is wrong.
Or Im due for a checkup.
Before you head into the office, take a minute to gather some information.
Do you know your family health history?
Your personal history of surgeries and conditions youve been diagnosed with?
The names of any medications youre taking (including over-the-counter stuff and natural supplements)?
If not, take a minute to sort that out.
Call your mom if thats what it’s crucial that you do for the history questions.
Call your previous doctors office if there are records they should send to your new doc.
And then write everything down on paper or in your phone, so you wont forget.
Plan out beforehand what information you want your provider to know, and what questionsyoullneed answered.
And maybe your questions include things like Should I stay home from the trip I planned next week?
or I live with small children, does my infection pose a risk to them?
Your doc wont necessarily guess that you have these questions, so be sure to speak up.
This all matters to your health, and your conversation is private.
What will we do differently if we get a positive versus a negative result from this test?
If they use a word you dont recognize, ask for clarification.
