Check-Ups

 

Intro	Check-Ups
Why do I need a PCP?	Confidentiality
How to Find a PCP	Reproductive Health
Health Plans	I Don't Like My PCP
Qualifications of PCPs	When to Visit?
Deciding on a PCP

 

Do I need to bring anything to my first check-up?

You should take a copy of your health records, including your immunization record (a list of all the vaccines you have had, and the dates you received them). You can get these records from your old provider, or maybe from your school. Also, bring any medicines you are taking, or bring a list of them. At your check-up, talk about any allergies or reactions that you have had to your medicines.

 

What will happen at my check-up?

Your PCP will ask you questions about your general health, such as headaches, sore throats, infections, and stomach aches. She/he will also ask you about your gynecologic history, such as when you started your period, how often you have them, and whether you have ever had a sexual partner or sexual intercourse. She/he will also ask you about your health habits, such as if you smoke, drink, or use seat belts. You will also be asked about your nutrition, stress level, family history, and moods, such as depression. Check-ups will also include measuring your height, weight, and blood pressure. Your ears, eyes, throat, neck, heart, breasts, and abdomen (stomach) will also be checked.

 

During your teen years, you'll get a tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis booster vaccine; meningococcal vaccines (a bacteria that causes meningitis and blood infections) at ages 11-12 and then again at age 16; and an annual influenza vaccine. It's also recommended for girls to get the human papillomavirus vaccine series to protect against the virus that causes several types of cancer (including cervical cancer) and genital warts. Boys may get the human papillomavirus series as well. If you haven't already gotten 3 hepatitis B shots, 2 mumps, measles, and rubella (MMR) vaccines, and 2 chickenpox vaccines (if you haven't had the disease), you will also get these. Before you travel abroad to countries in Latin America, Asia, or Africa, you should get the Hepatitis A vaccine series (2 vaccines 6 months apart).

 

What should I do at my first check-up?

Try to be open with your health care provider. You need to decide if you feel comfortable talking to and sharing information with him/her. You also need to ask any questions that you may have. Write them down before your appointment so you don't forget! You might want to bring someone along to help you ask these questions. See how well the provider listens to you and answers them. Are you happy with the provider at the end of your visit?

 

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Written by the CYWH Staff at Children's Hospital Boston

 

Updated: 5/27/2011