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\nTeens ages 15 to 17 need to go to the doctor or nurse for a \u201cwell-child visit\u201d once a year.
\nA well-child visit is when you take your teen to the doctor for a full checkup to make sure he is healthy and developing normally. This is different from other visits for sickness or injury.
\nAt a well-child visit, the doctor or nurse can help catch any problems early, when they may be easier to treat.
\nTo make the most of your teen\u2019s visit:
\nUnder the Affordable Care Act, insurance plans must cover well-child visits. Depending on your insurance, your teen may be able to get well-child checkups at no cost to you. Check with your insurance company to learn more.
\nYour teen\u2019s doctor or nurse can help you identify \u201cdevelopmental milestones,\u201d or signs to look for that show your teen is developing normally. This is an important part of the well-child visit.
\nSome developmental milestones are related to your teen\u2019s behavior and learning, and others are about physical changes in your teen\u2019s body.
\nSee a complete list of developmental milestones for your teen.
\nThis is also a time when some teens may start showing signs of depression, anxiety, or eating disorders. Your teen may also have a girlfriend or boyfriend.
\n \nTeens ages 15 to 17 are usually either finished or close to finishing puberty. Puberty is when a child\u2019s body develops into an adult\u2019s body.
\nAlthough it may be different for some teens, most girls finish puberty by age 15. Most boys finish puberty by age 16.
\nTeens might not ask you questions about sex, their bodies, or relationships. That\u2019s why it\u2019s a good idea for you to start the conversation. You can also encourage your teen to ask the doctor or nurse questions about body changes.
\n \nTake these steps to help you and your teen get the most out of well-child visits.
\nTake any medical records you have to the appointment, including a record of shots your teen has received.
\nMake a list of any important changes in your teen\u2019s life since the last visit, like a:
\nUse this tool to keep track of your teen\u2019s family health history.
\nThe doctor will probably ask you to leave the room during part of the visit, usually the physical exam. This lets your teen develop a relationship with the doctor or nurse and ask questions in private. It\u2019s an important step in teaching your teen to take control of his health care.
\nYour teen can also:
\nFor more ideas, check out these tips to help teens take charge of their health care.
\nBefore the well-child visit, write down 3 to 5 questions you have. This visit is a great time to ask the doctor or nurse any questions about:
\nTake a notepad and write down the answers so you can remember them later.
\nMake sure you know how to get in touch with a doctor or nurse when the office is closed. Ask how to get hold of the doctor on call, or if there's a nurse information service you can call at night or on the weekend.
\nDuring each well-child visit, the doctor or nurse will ask you questions, do a physical exam, and update your teen\u2019s medical history. You and your teen will also be able to ask your questions and discuss any problems.
\nThe doctor or nurse may ask about:
\nThe answers to questions like these will help the doctor or nurse make sure your teen is healthy and developing normally. See a list of other questions the doctor may ask [PDF - 1.1 MB].
\nThe doctor or nurse will offer additional help if your teen may be:
\nAnd if your teen may be having sex, the doctor or nurse will talk about preventing STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) and pregnancy.
\nThis may include telling you and your teen about:
\nIf necessary, the doctor or nurse may also refer your teen to a specialist.
\n