Belleville Lake Pediatrics provides care from birth through age 21. The teenage and young adult years bring new health concerns, increasing independence, and an important transition toward taking responsibility for your own health care.
Time alone with the doctor
Beginning around age 12, Dr. Maidlow will spend part of the well visit speaking with your child privately.
This is a routine part of adolescent care and does not mean that there is a specific concern. It gives teenagers an opportunity to ask questions, discuss sensitive topics, and become more comfortable talking with a doctor independently. Parents and guardians are still an important part of the visit and will be included before and after this private time.
Dr. Maidlow will also explain confidentiality directly to your teenager, including its limits. If there is a serious concern about your child's safety or the safety of someone else, that information cannot remain confidential.
Confidentiality and Michigan law
Michigan law allows minors to consent to certain types of health care without a parent or guardian in specific circumstances. Some of the information related to that care may also be confidential.
We will explain these privacy rules when they apply. Whenever it is safe and appropriate, we encourage teenagers to involve a parent or another trusted adult in important health decisions and can help them have those conversations.
Annual well visits
Annual well visits remain important throughout the teenage years, even for teenagers who are generally healthy and rarely need sick visits.
Teen well visits include a physical exam and preventive care as well as discussion of topics such as growth and nutrition, sleep, physical activity, school, relationships, mental health, substance use, sexual health, safety, and other concerns that become important during adolescence.
We'll also review vaccines and complete sports, school, work, or other required forms when needed.
Transitioning to adult care
As patients approach adulthood, we'll gradually help them become more independent in managing their own health care. This includes learning their medical history and medications, asking their own questions, understanding when and how to seek medical care, and becoming comfortable communicating directly with health care providers.
Patients may continue receiving care at Belleville Lake Pediatrics through age 21. As it becomes time to transition to an adult primary care provider, we can help with the transition and transfer medical records directly to the new physician at no charge.
What to bring
If applicable, please bring:
- Any questions or concerns your teenager would like to discuss
- School, sports, work, or college forms that need to be completed
- A current list of prescription and over-the-counter medications
- Any records or information from specialists that we have not already received