Parents usually manage all aspects of their children’s health care—scheduling appointments, consulting doctors, and providing medications. This method can work well until the child leaves home for college or a job, only to face a health crisis like severe flu or an injury at an inconvenient time.
According to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education, around 3.9 million students are expected to graduate high school in 2025. It’s been my observation that a lot of them aren’t quite ready to take charge of their own health care as adults.
Many of these graduates will integrate into the 18.4 million college students already enrolled. Data shows that nearly 72% of college students visited a health care provider last year, suggesting that your teen will likely need to see a doctor as well.
Regardless of their college status, young adults should acquire the skills necessary for managing their own health care. As a family physician specializing in young adult health, I’d like to share some tips on how to navigate health care effectively.
Every doctor visit begins with the front desk requiring identification, insurance information, and medical history. It’s a good idea to keep a digital copy of your insurance card on your phone and maintain a document listing your medications, allergies, medical history, and immunization records.
Before providing your insurance card, consider who holds the policy. Typically, parents or guardians receive an explanation of benefits (EOB) after each visit involving insurance.
This EOB isn’t a bill but outlines visit charges. While it does not specify diagnoses, it does list any tests or procedures performed. If the appointment involves sensitive topics, your parents might figure things out from the EOB.
No, doctors can’t mislabel a chlamydia screening as a “strep throat test”—that would be insurance fraud. If privacy is a concern, you might consider visiting student health centers that offer lower fees for uninsured visits. Most universities have free or low-cost clinics for students.
Now, let’s consider the reason for your appointment. Patients often wait until the doctor is standing to leave before expressing their real concerns, which might include sensitive issues like birth control or mental health struggles. Given the short nature of modern office visits, it’s important to address your primary concern upfront.
I’ve noticed that the main reason for dissatisfaction in doctor visits is a lack of clarity about what steps to take if symptoms worsen or don’t improve. Always ask, “What’s next?” before leaving the exam room.
Understanding when and how to expect test results is crucial. Clarify what to do if there are adverse reactions, how long it typically takes to improve, and how to communicate any further concerns, typically via an online portal.
Many individuals tell me they’ve received a prescription or therapy but saw no benefit. When asked about follow-ups, it turns out they often never returned or reached out to the doctor.
We sometimes joke about the “practice of medicine,” but it’s true that initial diagnoses may not always be correct, and doctors often have multiple backup plans. They need feedback to help you; don’t hesitate to reach out.
Doctors generally cannot guess medications’ costs unless you’re paying out of pocket. A 2021 investigation revealed that only 1 in 5 doctors could accurately predict patients’ out-of-pocket expenses.
If you reach the pharmacy and find a medication is too pricey, you have options. Inquire about cheaper generic versions or ask the pharmacist to contact your doctor for alternatives.
Always voice your concerns! Pharmacies may mistakenly assume that widely used generic medications are affordable, but insurance plans may complicate that.
When prescribed medication with refills, don’t wait until the last pill to request a renewal. Pharmacies can take time to process refills, so set a reminder to ask for your next refill at least three days ahead of its due date.
In recent years, ADHD medications have faced delays due to various factors, including increased demand and stock shortages. According to 2024 data from the CDC, over 70% of adults prescribed stimulant ADHD medications reported issues filling their prescriptions.
I apologize if it seems frustrating to repeatedly answer the same questions, both in person and online. This isn’t about questioning your honesty but rather ensuring that everyone is on the same page regarding your chief concern.
Requiring consistent answers helps catch errors and reflects variations in responses, particularly in nervous patients. Sometimes, it’s more efficient for a doctor to ask directly rather than rely on previous notes.
Parents shouldn’t dictate specific treatments, like demanding an antibiotic for a cough or insisting on imaging for an injury, as it rarely helps. Nearly half of American adults express difficulty affording health care, yet patients often still push for unnecessary treatments.
Most respiratory issues resolve without antibiotics, and many non-severe injuries don’t need X-rays. Encouraging your young adult to visit a doctor is important, but avoid setting rigid expectations unless you’re a medical professional.
Handling health care as an adult doesn’t mean knowing everything beforehand; rather, being prepared, speaking up, and asking thoughtful follow-up questions can significantly enhance the care you receive. Learning these skills can take time, but mastering them will lead to more efficient and less stressful medical visits.
