Adolescent Medicine Services at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
The Craig-Dalsimer Division of Adolescent Medicine meets the unique healthcare needs of adolescents. Our services include:
- Adolescent preventive and primary care
- Adolescent specialty care
- Family planning
- Care, education and support for teens at risk for or infected with HIV
Preventive and primary care
Just because a child has become a teenager does not mean he or she needs medical care any less frequently than when he or she was younger. At the Adolescent Care Center, we focus on the total health of our patients. Our services include:
- Annual health exams
- Pre-participation sports physical exams
- Work paper completion
- Driver’s license form completion
- School and college physical exams
- Management of chronic illness
In addition to dealing with medical problems, healthcare providers spend part of the teen’s time in the Adolescent Care Center discussing social and emotional issues and how they affect health and well-being. Common topics of discussion at visits include:
- School and job achievement
- Dealing with chronic illness
- Building independence successfully
- Taking over one’s medical care as an adult
Our providers also help teens deal with issues surrounding:
- Growth and development
- Basic gynecologic problems
- Male health problems
- Psychological health
There are appointments set aside every day at the Adolescent Care Center so that patients may be seen urgently if they become ill or have an emergent problem. Nurses, nurse practitioners and doctors are available throughout the day to answer questions relating to patient care.
Specialty care
Providers at the Adolescent Care Center are specially trained to deal with the span of issues affecting teenagers. Therefore, primary care providers may send teens to the Adolescent Care Center for a consultation to evaluate a specific problem. The types of issues typically seen in consultation at the Adolescent Care Center include:
- Menstrual and other gynecologic problems including polycystic ovary syndrome
- Behavioral problems
- Eating disorders
- Diagnostic dilemmas (cases with one or multiple not yet explained symptoms)
- Second opinions on a particular medical problem
- Contraception
- Management of complex chronic conditions and transition planning to adult care
There are two gynecologists who also see patients in the adolescent care center. They deal with:
- Structural genital issues
- Abnormal PAP smears and colposcopy
- Hormonal disturbances (for example polycystic ovarian syndrome)
- Complicated menstrual irregularities
Family planning
Family planning services at the Adolescent Care Center may be provided to our female preventive care patients, specialty care patients, and those teens who simply seek out these services. Family Planning services are provided confidentially and at little or no cost the patient.
Family planning for young women
Family planning services for young women include:
- Testing for sexually transmitted infections
- Treatment of sexually transmitted infections
- Pregnancy testing
- Options counseling and referral for teens found to be pregnant
- Supplying condoms
- Emergency contraception
- Birth control
- Annual basic gynecologic care, including PAP smears
Family planning for young men
Young men are also welcome to come for Family Planning services at the Adolescent Care Center, including
- Testing for sexually transmitted diseases
- Treatment of sexually transmitted diseases
- Supplying condoms
- Teaching about testicular self-exams
Abstinence is encouraged, as is use of protection to prevent sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy if and when one does decide to have sex. Discussions often include:
- Communication
- Relationships
- Decision-making
- Social and emotional issues connected to having sex
Family planning services are provided Monday through Friday. Urgent appointments are available for patients who are ill or have emergent problems. Nurses, nurse practitioners and doctors are available throughout the day to answer questions.
HIV prevention and treatment
Adolescents who are at risk for or who are infected with HIV can find expert care and support though the Adolescent Initiative.
Learn more about the program's education, outreach, research, and clinical care.
Contact us
Contact Us
- 1-800-879-2467
- (1-800-TRY-CHOP)
