Adolescents
The expertise of an Adolescent Medicine Specialist combines primary care with specialized knowledge of teens and young adults providing a confidential source for teens, as well as for their parents and pediatricians, to partner in helping teens take responsibility for their own health and well being. Adolescents and young adults will be seen in our office annually, for routine examination, if we are listed as a Primary Care Physician (PCP). It is desired for parent to be present during the first medical appointment at the office, if adolescent is less the 18 years old. Primary care will include all routine measurements, diagnostic tests and procedures, vaccinations and anticipatory guidance, as well as psychosocial screening that reveals individual stressors and behavioral issues. Adolescents are generally pretty healthy in a medical sense with the exception of those with chronic illness or developmental challenges. What makes teens unhealthy most often is related to their behavioral issues with sexuality, friends and family, alcohol and other substances, eating disorders, driving and sports related injuries, and stress. It is a challenging period for physical and mental change with a wide variability in timing, that often need reassurance. Parents and teens may need support and mediation during the time of mutual adjustment. In addition to routine school, college, sports and work physical exams usually done for teens, here's what we do and how we can assist the primary care pediatricians:
- Care for patients and young adults up to 25 years old
- Explore developmental and growth concerns
- Diagnose and treat gynecological problems including expert first-time Gyn exams
- Address sexuality, pregnancy and STI issues
- Support teen mothers and their children
- Consult on medical compliance issues for teens with chronic illness
- Counsel on nutrition, weight, and eating questions
- Coordinate care for eating disorder patients
- Advise on sports-related health
- Support teens with concerns re: drugs, alcohol, violence
- Collaborate with specialists, therapists, counselors, teachers