Imagine your 18-year-old is away at college and calls you in a panic. They’re sick, but they don’t know how to contact a provider, what to say to them or how to handle health insurance.
This scenario is entirely preventable. The key is teaching your teen healthcare independence before they leave home. Henry Ford Health family medicine physician Blake Arthurs, M.D., has some expert insights to help teens learn this vital life skill.
How to Prepare Your Child for Healthcare Appointments
Healthcare requires clear communication, so help your child get comfortable with medical discussions as early as possible. Pre-teens and teens can often answer most of the questions a doctor may ask them during appointments. Even elementary-age kids can contribute to the conversation.
“Parents naturally want to jump in and provide information to their child’s provider,” says Dr. Arthurs. “Try to resist the urge to take over. Stepping back allows your child to develop their own voice in healthcare settings.”
That doesn’t mean parents have to be silent through every appointment. “Find a comfortable balance where your child takes the lead while you fill in gaps when needed,” says Dr. Arthurs.
If your child feels nervous or unsure, practice these discussions in advance. “Role-play potential questions and answers in a relaxed way,” says Dr. Arthurs. “This simple exercise helps reduce nervousness and builds their confidence in speaking with healthcare providers.”
What Health Information Should My Teen Know?
As your child gets older, they will need to have any relevant health information top of mind. This is especially important in an emergency, such as a serious illness or injury.
“In an emergency room or urgent care, providers need to know about allergies, medical conditions and medications they take,” says Dr. Arthurs. “Family history may also be important.”
Fortunately, they don’t need to memorize these things. Many teens have smartphones with them at all times, so have them:
- Fill out the medical ID or emergency information feature on their phones
- Take photos of their medication bottles and save them on their phones
- Use the notes app to list their health information
For children without mobile phones who have medical conditions or allergies, provide them with a laminated card that lists allergies, conditions and medicines. Ensure your child always carries this card in their wallet or backpack.
Teaching Teens About Digital Health Tools
Beyond in-person visits, your teen also needs to learn how to manage their healthcare online. Today’s healthcare system runs on digital tools such as patient portals, and tech-savvy teens are perfectly positioned to take advantage of them.
“Show your teen how to schedule appointments and message their doctor in the portal,” suggests Dr. Arthurs. “Older teens can also learn to request their prescription refills and even view test results.”
Plan for Care Away From Home
If your teen is preparing to leave home, help them get set up with nearby health resources, including:
- Emergency or urgent care: Discuss when to call a doctor and what symptoms require a visit to an urgent care or emergency room.
- Insurance: Provide a copy of their insurance card and tell them to always keep it with them.
- Pharmacy: Identify a pharmacy near their location and transfer their medications.
- Primary care and specialists: Help your teen find local providers and transfer their medical records if needed.
- Support: If they have long-term health conditions, nearby support groups or advocacy organizations can help them build community.
Healthcare Privacy for Teens
As your teen becomes more independent in their healthcare, let them know that conversations with their doctor are confidential. “Having privacy helps ensure teens feel comfortable discussing their health openly,” says Dr. Arthurs. “Doctors are obligated to involve parents of minors if there are concerns about safety, self-harm or other serious issues.”
Around age 12 to 14, your child’s doctor may ask for some one-on-one time with your child. Don’t be alarmed—this is a standard practice that allows your child to build a trusting relationship with their doctor.
Privacy laws also change once a person turns 18. “When your child becomes a legal adult, they gain full control over their health information and decide who can access their medical records,” explains Dr. Arthurs. “These confidentiality laws are designed to protect patient privacy, which helps encourage honest, open communication between patients and their healthcare providers.”
Start Where You Are
Whether your child is 12 or 20, now is the time to start building their healthcare independence. “Don’t worry if you haven’t worked on these skills yet,” says Dr. Arthurs. “It’s never too late. Every step you take now helps your teen develop abilities that will serve them throughout their adult lives.”
Reviewed by Blake Arthurs, M.D., a family medicine physician who sees patients at Henry Ford Family Medicine – Beck Road and via telemedicine.
