What subjects should be included in the adolescent health examination?

Adolescents who undergo routine health screening are given priority in the children's health department. If there are no medical institutions in this department, those under 14 years old can be admitted to general pediatrics. Those over 14 years old who have basically completed puberty development can also choose general clinics or go directly to the health management (physical examination) center to order an examination.

A while ago, I met a parent who took a 15-year-old girl for a physical examination. At first, she rushed directly to the adult physical examination center. The package she chose was all about tumor markers and blood lipid screening for middle-aged and elderly people. On the contrary, it missed the bone age, sex hormones, and scoliosis, which are the most important items for adolescent children. Later, the medical director reminded her to transfer her to the pediatric care department, and they adjusted the checklist to a more suitable one, which also solved the irregular menstruation problem that had troubled the girl for more than half a year. While prescribing hormone tests, the doctor also gave instructions on how to adjust her schedule and diet during adolescence, which saved her the trouble of having to go to the gynecology department again.

Of course, it is not necessary to go to the pediatric health department in all cases. If the child has clear symptoms of discomfort, such as persistent chest pain, repeated abdominal pain, severe allergies, etc., he can directly contact the corresponding specialist without having to go to the health department first.

As for the age threshold issue that everyone often struggles with, there are actually no completely unified regulations in the industry. Some general hospitals have relaxed the scope of pediatric treatment to 18 years old, and the pediatric care departments of some children's specialized hospitals only accept children under 12 years old. If you are not sure which department your child is suitable for, it is much easier to call the guidance phone number on the hospital's official website in advance than to queue up to register on site and then cancel the registration.

In fact, for teenagers, the core needs of physical examinations are different from those of adults. They need to focus more on growth and development, mental health, vision, spine and other unique growth-related issues. Choosing the right department can avoid many unnecessary examinations and will not miss the health risks that should be paid attention to. Don’t bother to ask more questions before registration.