Adolescent Confidentiality
As a teen, you need to learn to be independent and responsible for your own health. However, sometimes you still may need your parents to get involved in your healthcare.
Even if you are a healthy adolescent, you may have questions and concerns that you don’t feel comfortable discussing with family or friends. Many surveys show that one reason teens don’t see a doctor is because they worry about their privacy.
At Longwood Pediatrics, our doctors and nurse practitioners want you to feel comfortable sharing these private concerns. When you turn thirteen, your doctor will structure your visit differently than when you were younger.
All information related to adolescent confidentiality can be reviewd in our Adolescent Confidentiality Handout.
What is Informed Consent?
Informed consent involves you having the power to make decisions about your own healthcare. Informed consent does not serve to eliminate your parents from helping you make medical decisions, but can be used when you are trying to deal with a private issue that requires specific medical attention. Your doctor will ensure you are informed about all the options you have. You then are the one giving the doctor the “OK” to treat you in a certain way.