Handling sensitive issues in a pediatric office visit

Beth Nelsen, MD (photo by Jim Howe) Beth Nelsen, MD (photo by Jim
Howe) As most children grow and mature, they make regular visits to
the pediatrician's office with a parent or guardian. Around age 12
or so, the pediatrician is likely to spend time during the
appointment with just the child, so that he or she can talk
privately about anything with the doctor. Upstate associate
professor of pediatrics As most children grow and mature, they make
regular visits to the pediatrician's office with a parent or
guardian. Around age 12 or so, the pediatrician is likely to spend
time during the appointment with just the child, so that he or she
can talk privately about anything with the doctor. Upstate
associate professor of pediatrics Beth Nelsen, MD, Beth Nelsen, MD,
says topics that may be covered include relationships with family
and friends, safety, mental health and sexuality. Discussing these
topics confidentially is not meant to exclude the parent but to
allow the patient to answer questions honestly. She says she
encourages patients to discuss things with their parent or
caregivers, as well, to help strengthen relationships at home. says
topics that may be covered include relationships with family and
friends, safety, mental health and sexuality. Discussing these
topics confidentially is not meant to exclude the parent but to
allow the patient to answer questions honestly. She says she
encourages patients to discuss things with their parent or
caregivers, as well, to help strengthen relationships at home.