Privacy-parents of teens

privacy-parents of teens

Partners in Pediatrics' Privacy Policy for Parents of Teens

We have been privileged to care for your child since infancy. There have been immunizations and toilet training; graduating preschool and transitioning to kindergarden; injuries and illnesses. Now, all of a sudden, this young man is as tall as the support staff who is measuring him and this young woman comes to the clinic with friends in tow, instead of her mother. These adolescents present new challenges at home, and we, as providers of their health care, find new issues to deal with also.

As pediatricians we are uniquely qualified and trained to care for your child through their college years. All our provider staff has received formal training in the medical issues of the adolescent patient. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics has established age 23 as the end of the adolescent years. We recognize that these patients are not big kids, nor are they little adults. Their issues are truly unique to them and we look forward to continuing to help them until adulthood.

Partners in Pediatrics offers your adolescent help with acne, behavioral issues, tobacco cessation and sports medicine. Young women can obtain comprehensive care for menstrual concerns. Every summer we are pleased to perform many exams for our patients who are preparing for college. Our patients with asthma, ADHD and other chronic conditions are encouraged to discuss with their provider when it is appropriate for them to seek care from an adult medicine provider.

As our patients grow up, the issues they may bring to us change. There are some things they do not want to talk to their parents about, but do want to discuss with us. We are honored they are comfortable in talking to us. But, we never intend to become their parent. We don’t want to interfere with your family’s communication, values and beliefs.

Minnesota law does require providers to maintain confidentiality in certain cases. We cannot disclose to anyone, including the patient’s parents, any information about pregnancy, birth control or drug use without the patient’s permission. We always encourage adolescents to discuss these issues with their parents, and find they often will share with their parents their concerns about these particular protected issues after they are addressed in the clinic.

When your adolescent turns eighteen his or her medical record and medical care (in its entirety) becomes confidential according to Minnesota law. At that time we cannot release any information about their care, or record, without their permission.

The issues of confidentiality are often troubling to parents and we encourage you to speak with your adolescent about this. Feel free to contact the clinic for further clarification of these issues.