Well Child Visit 14-20 Years Old
Teens and young adults between the age of 14 and 20 years old should visit their doctor once a year to monitor their overall health and development. During these yearly visits, the doctor may ask parents/guardians to leave the room when completing the physical exam. This gives your teen the opportunity to develop a relationship with their doctor. This also gives the teen and the doctor the privacy to ask and answer questions. The doctor will pay close attention to behaviors and emotions to address issues related to depression, tobacco, alcohol or drugs, violence, and/or eating disorders. Attending these routine visit helps to encourage your teen to develop healthy behaviors. This will also reduce or prevent unhealthy behaviors.
- 14 Years Old
- 15 Years Old
- 16 Years Old
- 17 Years Old
- 18 Years Old
- 19 Years Old
- 20 Years Old
Each exam should consist of:
- Full Physical Exam (length, height, weight, blood pressure and BMI %)
- Health History (initial and interval)
- Recommended Screens (catch up on missed or late recommended screens)
- Immunization/shots (catch up on missed of late immunizations/shots)
- Referrals as needed
Recommended Screenings
Each visit should include the following recommended screenings. For a detailed list of recommended screenings please see the linked AAP Periodicity Table (PDF).
| Recommended Screenings | Recommended Age(s) of Child |
|---|---|
| Behavioral Health Screen | Assessment to be performed at 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20. |
| Dental Screening | An oral screening must be performed at each EPSDT well-child visit. Children should also visit their dentist every 6 months for a dental checkup. |
Vision Screening | A vision screening will take place at 15 years old. |
Hearing Screening | Hearing screenings should be performed at one visit between the ages of 11 years and 14 years, one visit between the ages of 15 through 17 years, and one visit between the ages 18 through 21 years. The doctor will also check hearing any other time there’s a concern. |
Tobacco, alcohol, drug, and depression assessment | For teens 14 through 20 years of age, a tobacco, alcohol, drug, and depression use risk assessment is completed at each visit to identify risks. |
HIV/STI Screening | Adolescents should be screened for HIV once between the ages of 15 and 18, making every effort to maintain confidentiality. |
*For more information speak with your provider.
| Vaccine | Recommended Age(s) of Child |
|---|---|
Meningococcal [2nd dose] |
|
Influenza (Flu) |
|
Looking Ahead
Teaching teens and young adults how to prepare for their doctor's visits will help them take control of their health care. Teens and young adults can assist with scheduling appointments, filling out medical forms, and should become knowledgeable about any medical conditions they may have.