GO TEEN Young Adult CLINIC
Teenagers are turning into young adults. This is special time of accelerated physical changes, a time to discover themselves and find their identity. Both, an exciting and challenging time, teenagers are getting more independent, need to start navigating the health system and prepare for what lies ahead in the best possible way.
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Incorporating ages 13-25, teenager/young adults are generally healthy and not necessarily seeing the family GP very often. Sometimes, there isn't the chance to have needed conversations. In comes The Go Teen Young Adult Clinic setting time aside to address your needs.
Book a long appointment with your chosen GP for the Go Teen Young Adult Clinic.​
Important Conversations
Your GP is your partner in health. Here are some points that will be addressed.
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Teenagers/Young Adult are going through a lot. First and foremost, we check how they are coping mentally. We identify whether some help is required. It is important to clearly be supportive and they know where to find help.
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Vaccination: Teenagers might be travelling, travel vaccinations will be needed. At 22-23 tetanus booster is due. Some currently non PBS vaccinations are worth considering for 18-25 year olds based on risk of disease. In later years, testing and Boostrix booster may be needed.
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Some teenagers have other challenges which should be discussed.
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Skin care and some simple management can usually help with changes in the skin. In more serious cases, there are available effective treatment plans available.
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Wellness conversation around diet, exercise and screen time.
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Having a trusted GP is important. Finally, at the most opportunistic time, discussion on mental, sexual health, vaping/smoking, drugs and alcohol in a safe environment will be available.​
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Practicalities
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Ask the question, who will be contacted about health matters. When will that change to the teenager? Learning how to make appointments and being comforted in knowing they can.
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Determine Next of Kin and Emergency Contact. Until the age of 16, parents are by default. After 16, they need to be stated clearly, please update your records at your GP.
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Parents will not have access to Medicare signon after teen is 16 years old. Teen will need to update details and set up credit account number. Download the Medicare App.
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Discuss privacy, whether parents will attend consultation together or not.
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Figure out how to settle healthcare fees so that the teenager is settled in knowing how to get help. Be clear, while parents paying fees, parents will know about all attendances.​
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When young adult moves away from home, they will generally need to apply for their own Medicare card.
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In later years, any surname or address changes, will need to be updated at Medicare first, then at GP office.
Your Go Teen Young Adult Clinic Team
Dr Ashima Aggarwala