Clinical Preventive Services

It’s important that young people see health care providers regularly. Regular check-ups ensure adolescents receive recommended clinical preventive services, which are immunizations, screening tests, and health counseling recommended for people their age. Routine health care visits help prevent unhealthy behaviors, promote healthy decision-making, and reduce the likelihood of developing major health issues now and in the future. Preventive health visits also provide an opportunity to help teens learn how to use the health care system when they are adults.

Clinical preventive services for adolescents that are recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), and the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Bright Futures are covered without copayments or deductibles in health insurance plans. Yet, many teens do not receive all the recommended preventive services they need. Families take babies and young children in for immunizations and check-ups, but regular check-ups are important for adolescents too. Most medical groups agree that routine visits to see a health care provider, whether the young person is healthy or sick, are important for adolescents’ health. Although annual wellness check-ups are ideal, any visit to the health care provider’s office or other health care location can be an opportunity to receive preventive care.