Why do I see my health care provider by myself now?
Why do I see my health care provider by myself now?
You are growing up and part of growing up is learning how to talk to your health care provider about your body and your health. Your health care provider may be a doctor, a nurse practitioner or a physician assistant.
When most children become teenagers, privacy becomes very important to them. If you have older brothers and sisters you probably already know this. Starting around the ages of 12 and 13, health care providers will ask parents and caregivers to leave the room while they do the physical exam. Your health care provider is an expert in children’s health. When you are alone with your provider, it is a great time to ask questions about your body or anything else you might be thinking or feeling that is private. If you don’t have any questions, the physical exam will stay the same as it always has and will not take any extra time.
If you are not ready to see your provider alone during the physical exam, you may ask your parent or caregiver to stay. If you would like to have a chaperone (someone else) that is not your parent or caregiver, you can ask for a nurse or medical assistant to be in the room with you for the physical exam.
Why does my child’s health care provider ask me to leave
the room now?
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians recommend that health care providers help children learn how to manage their own health starting from an early age. A child’s passage to managing his own health takes years. We refer to this passage as “transition” from pediatric to adult health care. One of children’s first tasks in transition is to practice answering basic questions about their own health by themselves.
It is normal for children to become very private about their bodies starting in the early teen years. When children turn 12 or 13 years old, providers will begin to ask parents and caregivers to step out of the room for the physical exam. This is a natural time for providers to work on transition by asking children questions about their health while doing their physical exams.
Children’s health care providers have many years of training in how to talk to children about their own health and safety. They can also give children great advice about sensitive topics like changing bodies and changing feelings. Our providers are experts in helping children make a plan for talking to parents and caregivers about tough or embarrassing subjects.
UW Health providers share the same goals for children as all parents and caregivers: To reach adulthood safe, happy, and healthy.
If you have questions about the types of questions providers ask, please ask your health care team for more information. If you do not want your child to see his or her provider alone, please share your concerns with the team. If you would like your child to have a chaperone while they see the provider, you may ask for a nurse or a medical assistant to be present.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 11/13/2012
Copyright © 11/13/2012 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#7449
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