The teenage years come with a lot of changes and transitions both for the teen as well as the entire family. As such, you can probably already see the importance of choosing the right teen health program for the adolescent in your family.
While most families depend on a pediatrician for the care of babies and younger children, it can be tricky understanding when the time comes to switch to a doctor specializing in the needs of adolescent patients and their families.
One of the first questions a parent or caregiver may ask in regards to if a teen should stay with a pediatrician or transition to a teen health program would be to inquire about what age is recommended to start the teen program.
Once the parent understands the age in which the teen should transition to a teen health program, there are several other considerations that may help them decide how to fill the needs of their teen. To better understand these considerations, it is helpful to know about some of the unique needs an adolescent patient may have.
For example, many adolescents may be developing an interest in playing team sports, and being more physically active. With that often comes a need for special physical examinations that an adolescent physician may have more experience in.
Last but certainly not least, when considering a teen health program, the topic of comfort is an important one. In some cases, older teens are no longer comfortable visiting a doctor who has a practice that mostly serves toddlers and much younger children. Developing an honest relationship between patient and physician is paramount in getting your teen the best care they can have.
If you’ve been looking for a comprehensive teen health program for your child, look no further! Make an appointment at Southside Medical Center in Atlanta to learn more about our services. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get started.