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Working with doctors and nurses
Answering questions, filling out papers, getting poked and prodded — going to the doctor can stress you out! But over time, you’ll get more comfortable with all the parts of working with doctors, nurses, and other health professionals. The links below can get you started.
- Making an appointment
- What questions will the doctor or nurse ask?
- Tips for teaming with your doctor or nurse
- What if I don’t want my parents to know?
- Paying for care
Making an appointment 
top
As you get more involved in your own health care, you may want or need to make your own appointments. You may feel a little nervous, but calling will be easier if you have a list of questions to ask, such as:
- How much will my visit cost?
- If I have insurance, do you work with my plan?
- What times is the doctor available?
- Can I see the same doctor each time?
- Do I have to bring anything with me when I come?
- What will happen during the visit?
- If I want, can the visit be kept confidential?
- Is it okay if someone comes with me to the exam?
What questions will the doctor or nurse ask? top
It’s a good idea to know what questions you may be asked, so you can think about the answers and take any necessary information with you to your appointment. You may be asked about:
- Allergies to medicines
- Any medicines you are taking
- Concerns you have about your general health, including your emotional health
- If you or your family has a history of certain medical problems
- Your period, such as how long it normally lasts, how old you were when you first got it, and the first day of your last period
- Whether you have ever had sex
- If you’ve ever been forced to have sex
It is important to be honest so that the doctor or other health care provider has have all the right information about your health and body.
Tips for teaming with your doctor or nurse top
You may feel a little nervous when talking with a health care professional like a doctor. After all, you need this person’s help. But remember — it’s the doctor’s job to help you! Here are some suggestions that can make working with your doctor easier:
- Write down any questions in advance. It’s hard to remember everything, especially when you may be feeling a little nervous. And ask what to do if more questions come up after the appointment.
- Bring a family member or trusted friend with you. That person can take notes, offer support, and help you remember information.
- Be honest. Even if you’re embarrassed, make sure to tell the doctor everything he or she may need to know in order to help you. Your doctor probably has seen or heard it all before!
- If you’re taking medication, make sure you know exactly how to take it and for how long. Also ask about any possible side effects and what to do if you have a problem.
You want to feel like you can trust and work well with your doctor or nurse. If you don’t, then maybe you need to think about finding someone else. Learn more about changing doctors.
What if I don’t want my parents to know? top
It’s a good idea to get your parent’s or guardian’s support around any health concerns even if it’s difficult, but sometimes that may just not feel possible. Keep in mind that often your doctor’s visit can be kept confidential. That means anything you say will be secret, even if you’re getting birth control or STI testing. Make sure to ask about the doctor’s policy before you begin.
You should know, though, that your parents may get a bill that lists the services you received. Check with your doctor’s office about how that works.
If you go to a family planning clinic for services like birth control counseling, your privacy will be protected. Plus, the visit likely will cost less or be free. Often, you can find a family planning clinic pretty easily.
Paying for care top
Paying for doctor visits and other health care causes confusion and worry in some families. Understanding a few key points will help.
Your family may already have private insurance. This may come from a parent’s or guardian’s job. You or your family will need to ask the insurance company about what medical services it pays for and how.
If your family doesn’t have this kind of insurance (or enough of it), you may be able to get Medicaid. Basically, this is insurance from the government for people with low incomes. You and your family can learn more about Medicaid..
If your family earns too much money to get Medicaid, they may be able to get CHIP. CHIP, or Children’s Health Insurance Program, is low-cost health insurance for kids. Click to learn more about CHIP.
If your family does not have private insurance, Medicaid, or CHIP, you may still be able to get free or lower-cost care at certain places in your community. These include community health clinics, public hospitals, school health centers, and public housing primary care centers. You can search online for centers.
If you have certain disabilities, you may be able to get Medicare. This is another kind of insurance from the government. You can get more information online.
Paying for care can be confusing and stressful. Definitely try to work with a trusted adult on this. Take notes, and keep all bills, insurance information, and important papers together in case you need them again.
Content last updated October 13, 2010
