Teen primary care

Teens require specialized care focused on their unique needs. As they move toward adulthood, they face many choices that affect health and well-being, both now and in the future. Studies show that the right medical support can help teens make useful decisions.

At Advocate Children’s Hospital, our doctors are well-versed in the stages of body and brain growth teenagers go through.

Keep in mind that teens should have annual primary care visits until at least age 19, and up to age 21, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Our primary care doctors can provide care up to age 23.

Choose Advocate Children’s primary care for a teen-focused approach

Advocate Children’s primary care doctors work with teens and families to evaluate health, assess challenges, and work through issues and concerns. Our program features:

• Comprehensive services for teens: We provide the full range of primary care, including screening and preventive care and treatment for minor illnesses and injury.
• Convenient locations and appointment times: We have 21 clinics conveniently located near you. All clinics offer evening and weekend appointments to fit your busy schedule. It's easy to find care from Advocate Children's close to home. Find a location.
• Top providers: Our doctors are board certified and keep up to date with advances in medical care, providing a foundation and partnership for teens and parents. Our team also includes top nurses and support staff.
• Camp, school and sports physicals: We support teen participation in enriching activities. Our physicals for camp are conducted with your teen’s complete medical history to promote safe participation in sports and other events.
• Coordinated care: Some teens have to deal with chronic illnesses or complex medical conditions. If so, they may need to see other types of doctors, in addition to working with our primary care team. Advocate Children’s Hospital has a range of specialists to meet these needs. We can also arrange care with adult doctors such as gynecologists.
• Community partnerships: We recognize the importance of teamwork. We’re part of the Chicagoland Children’s Health Alliance, partnering with two other area hospitals that specialize in pediatric care. Through us, your child has access to even more specialists and programs.

Common teen health needs

Your teen’s high school years are often filled with activities, from learning to drive to proms and graduation. As they move toward independence, consistent primary care can help your teen take control of their health. Our adolescent care focuses on:

Teen well visits and preventive care

Teens face special risks as they start to venture into the adult world. They should continue to see their pediatrician at least once a year for a well visit. Doing so ensures they start adult life with up-to-date screenings and preventive care.

Well-teen visits address physical, social and sexual health. Your child’s doctor assesses your teen and teaches them self-care. Visits include:

• Full exam
• Vaccinations
• Screenings and education
• Referrals to adult doctors, such as gynecologists, when appropriate

Meeting the challenges of the teen years

Continued primary care can help teens and parents identify issues and find resources to help with life’s decisions.

We work with teens and families to discuss wellness, prevent injuries and provide family resources for common issues such as:

• Risk-taking behaviors
• Stress and depression
• Family and peer challenges
• Sexuality and sexually transmitted infections
• Smoking and vaping, other tobacco use, and alcohol and drugs
• Fitness and healthy living education
• School concerns

Transitioning to adult care

The transition to adult care is a crucial step for a teenager’s ongoing health. Your pediatrician supports a smooth transition, helping with:

• Selection of new doctors
• Communicating treatment history
• Preparing teens to take charge of their own health care
• Providing records to new doctors and new medical centers

When to take your teen to the emergency department

Go to the emergency department if you think your teen’s illness or injury is life-threatening or could cause permanent harm. We can use your routine visits to talk about how to handle emergencies.

If possible, call your family pediatrician before going to the emergency department. They can talk to you about your teen’s symptoms, give you advice and even call ahead. Learn more about when your child needs emergency care.