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Plain Talk For Teens
By Deb Sepeta, PA-C
One of the nice things about getting your medical care from a family doctor is that the entire family, including teenagers, can be seen at one clinic. We believe in open communication, especially when it comes to teen health care issues. It is important to establish an atmosphere of trust and respect with teens to help them make good, sound decisions about issues that affect their health. We want all teens to be healthy, safe, and active participants in their own health care, so teen issues like puberty, relationships, sexuality, risky behaviors, peer pressure, mental health, and chemical use must be addressed.
Confidentiality is an important issue for teens, so their conversations with their physicians will be kept private. Teens and parents need to know, however, that clinics cannot legally keep teen health records from parents, unless the record pertains to issues of reproductive health (i.e. birth control), sexually transmitted diseases, or chemical use.
In addition, if a teen threatens self- inflicted injury or to hurt others, the information must be shared. So when a teenage patient comes in to discuss birth control, for example, it won't be discussed with anyone else, unless the teen gives permission for the physician to discuss it with other people. That does not mean that your physician will not strongly encourage open, honest communication between the teen and parents, but it does mean that the teen's wishes not to disclose that information must be honored and respected.
We look forward to seeing our teenage patients in the office and enjoy watching them mature into responsible adults. If you or your teen would like to discuss these or other issues, please come in for a visit and talk with your physician.
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