Are There Special Considerations for Adolescent Patients?
Adolescent patients often have unique privacy concerns, especially regarding sexual and reproductive health. Healthcare providers must balance the need for parental involvement with the adolescent's right to confidentiality. In many jurisdictions, laws allow adolescents to consent to certain types of medical care, such as contraception and STD testing, without parental knowledge. Providers should be familiar with these laws and discuss privacy concerns with their adolescent patients to ensure they feel comfortable seeking care.
