Who is a teenage medicine doctor? Also known as adolescent medicine doctors, a teenager medicine doctor who focuses in the physical, social, psychological, and sexual development of young adults aged 12 to 21. They are specially trained in the unique problems teenagers face during this crucial time in puberty. They can provide comprehensive care for healthy adolescents and young adults. Common specialists pursuing adolescent medicine careers are paediatricians, family physicians, and psychiatrists.
What services does a teenage medicine doctor offer?
A teen medicine doctor can provide a variety of services. Your child’s primary care doctor or paediatrician may recommend that you see a teen medicine doctor if your child is experiencing changes in mood or behaviour, problems with school, eating disorders, difficulty sleeping, chronic illnesses, or substance abuse. That said, here are services that a doctor for a teenager can provide:
- Annual physical exams
- Sports physicals
- Immunisation
- Health screenings
- Treatment of minor injuries and illnesses
- Management of chronic conditions
– Nutrition counselling
– Weight management
– Mental health counselling
– Substance abuse counselling
– Sexual health counseling
– Stress and anger management
– Academic counselling
What can I expect during my first visit to a teenage medicine doctor?
A teenager medicine doctor provides comprehensive medical care for teenagers. They focus on the unique needs of teenagers, which are different from those of children and adults. During your first visit, your doctor will ask about your medical history and conduct a physical exam. Your doctor may also order tests, such as blood work or urinalysis, to rule out any medical conditions causing your symptoms.
After your physical exam, your doctor will discuss your treatment options. They may recommend lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, to help improve your symptoms. If your doctor suspects you have a more severe condition, they may refer you to a specialist for further testing and treatment.
What tests does an adolescent medicine doctor perform or order?
There are many benefits to seeing a teenage medicine doctor. They are trained to understand the unique needs of teenagers. They can provide comprehensive care for both healthy adolescents and those with chronic conditions. Here are some of the tests that a teenager medicine doctor may perform or order:
Cancer screenings and tests: That usually include a Pap smear, breast exam, testicle exam, and biopsy
General health screenings: They screen for sexual activity, eating disorders, alcohol and tobacco use, and depression.
Physical health exams: That include height, weight, BMI, blood pressure, and heart rate.
Mental health screenings: These are to check for anxiety, stress, depression, suicide risk, and substance abuse.
Developmental screenings: That is to check for learning disabilities, ADHD, and Asperger’s syndrome.
STD screenings and tests: These are to check for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis.
Imaging studies: That can include X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans.
Lab tests: That can include blood work, urine tests, and pregnancy tests.
Reproductive health exams: They include a pelvic exam, breast exam, and Pap smear.
The Takeaway
A teenage medicine doctor is a valuable asset to your healthcare team. They are specially trained in the unique problems teenagers face during this crucial time in puberty. They can provide comprehensive care your loved one needs to keep your teenager healthy and happy.