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Teens ages 15 to 17 years need to go to the doctor or nurse for a “well-child visit” once a year.
A well-child visit is when you take your teen to the doctor to make sure they’re healthy and developing normally. This is different from other visits for sickness or injury.
At a well-child visit, the doctor or nurse can help catch any problems early, when they may be easier to treat.
Learn what to expect so you can make the most of each visit.
Your teen’s doctor or nurse can help you identify “developmental milestones,” or signs to look for that show your teen is developing normally. This is an important part of the well-child visit.
Some developmental milestones are related to your teen’s behavior and learning, and others are about physical changes in your teen’s body.
See a complete list of developmental milestones for your teen.
Developmental milestones for teens ages 15 to 17 years include:
This is also a time when some teens may start showing signs of depression, anxiety, or eating disorders. That’s why it’s important to:
Teens ages 15 to 17 years may be nearing the end of puberty. Puberty is when a child’s body develops into an adult’s body.
Teens might not ask you questions about sex, their bodies, or relationships. That’s why it’s a good idea for you to start the conversation. You can also encourage your teen to ask the doctor or nurse any questions they have about body changes or other health concerns.
Take these steps to help you and your teen get the most out of well-child visits.
Take any medical records you have to the appointment, including a record of vaccines (shots) your teen has received.
Make a list of any important changes in your teen’s life since the last visit, like a:
Use this tool to keep track of your teen’s family health history.
The 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’s an important step in teaching your teen to take control of their health care.
Your teen can also:
For more ideas, check out these tips to help teens take charge of their health care. You can also share this list of questions for the doctor with your teen.
Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance plans must cover well-child visits. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get well-child visits at no cost to you. Check with your insurance company to find out more.
Your teen may also qualify for free or low-cost health insurance through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Learn about coverage options for your family.
If you don’t have insurance, you may still be able to get free or low-cost well-child visits. Find a health center near you and ask about well-child visits.
To learn more, check out these resources:
Before 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:
Take a notepad, smartphone, or tablet and write down the answers so you can remember them later.
Make 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.
During each well-child visit, the doctor or nurse will ask you questions, do a physical exam, and update your teen’s medical history. You and your teen will also be able to ask your questions and discuss any problems.
The doctor or nurse may ask about:
The answers to questions like these will help the doctor or nurse make sure your teen is healthy, safe, and developing normally.
To check your teen’s body, the doctor or nurse will:
The doctor or nurse will offer additional help if your teen may:
And if your teen may be having sex, the doctor or nurse will talk about preventing STIs (sexually transmitted infections) — also called STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) — and pregnancy. Learn how to talk with your teen about preventing STIs.
This may include telling you and your teen about:
If needed, the doctor or nurse may also refer your teen to a specialist.