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You And Your Doctor

YOU ARE SPECIAL!
All preteens and teens are. Just4u provides important information about your health and picking doctors that are right for you. Click here to read more.

You have a lot of choices to make growing up. The choices you make can really make a difference in your health. So, we at Affinity Health Plan are happy that you are reading this and thinking about going to see your doctor.

You and your doctor.

It's important to have a doctor who enjoys caring for young people like you.

Your doctor is there for you whether you are sick, need a checkup, or just have some questions. Don't worry about talking with your doctor about anything that's on your mind. Your doctor respects your privacy.

If you are an Affinity Health Plan Member and need help choosing a doctor or making an appointment to see your doctor, call our Member Services Department toll free at 1-866-247-5678.

Going to the doctor.

You are growing up. You are becoming more independent, and taking on more responsibility for yourself. Someday you...instead of your parents...will be responsible for your own health. Now is a good time to begin learning more about your health, and how to use your doctor's services.

Begin by planning visits to your doctor in advance. Ask your parents to help you with things like making the appointment and traveling there. Maybe your parents can go with you.

How should you prepare for your visit to the doctor?

  • Take your Affinity Health Plan Membership Card with you.
  • Do you have any forms you need the doctor to fill out for camp, school, or sports? If you do, make sure to bring the forms with you.
  • Think about any health care visits or medicines you've had since your last visit...you should remind your doctor about these.
  • Also, think about changes in your life (school, work, family, friends) that you might want to discuss with your doctor. Your doctor can give you good advice.

It may be a little scary to think that you will be the one to talk to your doctor. You may wonder what to ask if your doctor prescribes medicine for you? Or if your doctor says you need an X-ray?

Think about how your parent has talked to the doctor, or about how you have talked to a teacher about something you did not quite understand. Be ready to ask your doctor to take time to listen to you, and to explain things. Your doctor will be impressed that you are becoming responsible and confident in yourself.

What's going to happen at your visit to the doctor?

  • You will be greeted at the reception desk. Tell the receptionist your name and that you have an appointment with your doctor. Show the receptionist your Affinity ID card.
  • You will be asked to wait in a waiting area until you are called and taken to an examining room.
  • The doctor's assistant will probably measure your height, blood pressure, and weight. The assistant may also ask you a few questions, such as why you came to see the doctor today, and if you have had any illnesses or injuries since the last time you saw the doctor. This is the time to give the assistant any health forms to complete.
  • The assistant may ask you to get undressed and put on an examination robe.
  • The doctor will come in to examine you. The doctor may listen to your heart and lungs, and look in your eyes, ears and mouth. If you are a young woman, your doctor may ask if it's OK to do a gynecological exam, or if you want it done another time or with another doctor.
  • After the doctor finishes the examination, you will get dressed. Your doctor will then talk to you about the results of the examination, and any lab tests, x-rays or shots you may need. This is also the time for you and your doctor to talk about any issues from earlier visits, and any new health or social issues you are concerned about. You may talk about:
    • Relationships with your family and friends,
    • Pressures at school, with friends and at home,
    • Smoking, drinking and drug use,
    • Sexual activity and prevention of sexually transmitted disease, pregnancy and HIV infection,
    • Safety habits such as wearing seatbelts, gun safety and avoiding drinking and driving,
    • Avoiding injury and violence,
    • Exercise and sports activities,
    • Feelings of hopelessness, sadness, or suicide.

You do have a lot of choices to make and many things to think about. Being a teenager is all about the important changes you're going through. Some people think it's more complicated being a teen now than ever before. Remember, your doctor can help you with answers to your questions and advice if you ask!

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