Annual Check-Up
How do I get ready for my annual medical check-up?
If this is your first visit to your health care provider, plan on getting there 15 minutes early, and bring with you:
What happens when I get there?
When you arrive at the office, you will check in at the front desk, and probably be asked to fill out a health form. A clinical assistant will then check your pulse, blood pressure, height and weight, and ask for a urine sample. The urine sample will be tested to check how your kidneys are working. This is not a drug test.
What about my parents or guardian?
Next, you and your parents or guardians (if they are with you) will be called into the exam room. During this time your health care provider (a doctor or nurse practitioner) will discuss your health history and your family health history. Then the provider will ask your parents to leave the room. At the end of the visit, your parent may come back to the room.
What about talking to my doctor alone?
Your provider will probably ask your parents to leave the exam room, so he or she can talk with you privately. Your provider will ask questions about your life in general. This will include questions about:
At any any time during the check-up, you should feel free to ask your health care provider questions. If you are worried that you might forget what you wanted to ask, you can write the questions down on a piece of paper before hand.
What about the physical part of the check-up?
The physical exam part of the check-up will take only a few minutes. Your provider will examine your:
Your provider will also examine your penis and testicles. This is nothing to feel embarrassed about. A genital exam is very important. Lumps or bumps, even if you didn’t know they were there, are common in young men.
What about my privacy?
Your medical privacy is important. When you come for your visit, your providers will talk about their confidentiality policy with you and your parents. Every region has it's own regulations about teens and medical privacy. In the state of Massachusetts, general medical information such as colds, the flu, or broken bones, as well as concerns about your safety are shared with your parents if you are under age 18. Issues about sexual health, HIV, and STD’s will be kept confidential.
How does the check-up finish?
After the checkup is over, your provider will discuss with you:
If you need a physical form for school or sports, ask your provider at the time of the appointment. Your provider will tell you when you should return for another appointment.
Remember: your health and your issues are important. Feel free to ask any questions you may have, at any time during your check-up.
Updated: 2/12/2008
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