Preteens and teens should see their provider once per year. A yearly exam helps keep your teen healthy. It is different from seeing your provider when they are sick. This exam is for vaccinations and to check for early signs of disease. Use this annual visit to ask any questions you have about your teen’s ongoing health. Remember to also make sure your teen visits the dentist twice per year.
NAVIGATE BY SECTION: |
- 9 Years Old
- 10 Years Old
- 11 Years Old
- 12 Years Old
- 13 Years Old
Each Exam Should Consist Of:
- Full Physical Exam (length, height, weight, blood pressure and BMI %)
- Health History (initial and interval)
- Recommended Screens (catch up on missed or late recommended screens)
- Immunization/shots (catch up on missed or late immunizations/shots)
- Referrals as needed
Each visit should include the following recommended screenings:
| Recommended Screenings | Recommended Age(s) of Child |
|---|---|
| Dental Screen | To be performed at age 11, 12, and 13 with fluoride supplement if needed. Dental visit twice per year. |
| Hearing Screen | Performed annually at age 10 and one visit between the ages of 11 years and 14 years. |
| Vision Screen | Performed during every periodic screening assessment at age 10 years and 12 years. |
| Tobacco, Alcohol, or Drug Use and Depression Risk Assessment | For members 11 through 20 years of age a tobacco, alcohol, or drug use risk assessment is to be performed on each of these visits. |
| Behavioral Health Screen | Behavioral Assessment to be performed at ages 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13. |
Teen Athlete Guide: Stay Healthy and Play Your Best
If you play sports, a checkup can help you stay safe, avoid injuries, and get stronger. It’s more than just getting a form signed.
A doctor visit is like a coach for your health. They help you learn what your body needs and fix small problems before they turn into big ones.
- Sports Physical vs. Checkup
- Sports physical: A quick check to see if it’s safe to play.
- Checkup: A full visit about your whole health (sleep, food, mood, growth).
- Year-round care: Visits during the year to help you stay healthy, train safely, and heal well.
- Skills vs. Health (You Need Both)
- Skills: Speed, strength, stamina, and focus.
- Health: Sleep, food, mood, recovery, and staying injury-free. If your health is off, your skills often drop too.
- Learn what your body needs
- Your health story: Past injuries, asthma, concussions, medicines, and family health problems.
- Find problems early: Low iron, breathing trouble, too much training, not enough sleep, or stress.
- Make a simple plan: Warm up, drink water, eat good food, sleep, and rest when you need to.
- Train smart: Don’t do too much too fast.
- Train your mind: Learn ways to stay calm, focused, and confident.
- Come back safely: After an injury (or concussion), return to school, practice, and games step by step.
- Get small check-ins: Little problems are easier to fix than big ones.
These checks can help you miss fewer practices and games.
- Control health problems: If you have asthma, allergies, migraines, ADHD, or diabetes, a plan can help you stay safe while you play.
- Watch for growth spurts: Growing fast can change how you move and can raise your chance of getting hurt.
- Stay up to date: Ask about shots, vision and hearing checks, and any tests you might need.
- “Can we talk about my sleep, food, and water?”
- “Do I have a higher chance of getting hurt because of past injuries or a growth spurt?”
- “What should I do if I get dizzy, can’t breathe well, or have chest pain?”
- “Do I need shots, vision checks, or any tests?”
- “Can you help if stress or worry is hurting school or sports?”
Bottom line: A sports physical is a quick safety check. A checkup (and visits during the year) helps you stay healthy, avoid injuries, and keep getting better.
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*Notes: HPV* Ages 11 through 12 years old should get a 2-shot series separated by 6 to 12 months. The series can begin at 9 years old. A 3-shot series is recommended for those with weakened immune systems and those who start the series after their 15th birthday.
Health Education and Preventative Counseling:
Preteens need proper health education and preventative counseling for growth and development intothe teenage years. Encouraging healthy behaviors that will ensure a smooth transition. This includes:
- Eating-Should have 3 meals with 1-2 healthy snacks a day
- Sleeping- Recommended 9-12 hours of sleep
- Physical Activity- Kids should get at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day and with limits set on screen time
HSH27024 SMHK27020; 8/5/2026