We look after young people through to age 21. The visits change as they get older, and so does who does the talking.
The annual visit
Teenagers still need a yearly checkup, and it covers more than it used to. Alongside growth, blood pressure and immunizations, we talk about sleep, mood, school, activity, nutrition, and the things that are harder to raise at home.
Annual visits are also when school, sports and camp forms get completed. Booking before the late-summer rush saves waiting — forms are published to MyChart within 24 hours of a physical, though in summer it can take seven to ten days.
Time alone with the provider
From early adolescence we usually offer part of the visit without a parent in the room. This isn’t about excluding you. Young people are more likely to ask honestly about things that worry them when they’re on their own, and getting into that habit before they leave for college matters.
You’ll be brought back in for the summary and anything that needs a decision.
Privacy, and its limits
Massachusetts law gives adolescents confidentiality around certain areas of care. In practice that means some things your teenager discusses with us stay between them and their provider.
There are limits — anything involving their safety or someone else’s is not confidential, and we’d tell them that up front. Our full adolescent privacy policy is in the documents on this page, and it’s worth reading before your child reaches that age rather than at the appointment.
Mental health
Anxiety, low mood and stress are common in this age group and worth raising. Your child’s provider is the first step — support is available within the practice through Integrated Behavioral Health, and through Woburn Pediatric Psychological Services on referral.
If you’re worried about immediate safety, call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or go to the nearest emergency department.
Moving to adult care
Care here continues to age 21, and the transition to an adult provider is worth planning rather than leaving to the last appointment. Our guide, How Do I Transition to Adult Medicine?, is in the documents on this page.