Take Charge of Your Health
You’re the Boss Now!
Take Charge of Your Health
You’re the Boss Now!
For many, turning 18 means being in the driver’s seat, including scheduling appointments, following up, billing, and much more. Parents will no longer have access to their teens’ records unless they provide consent (age requirements may vary by state). This guide helps teens and young adults begin to build good habits when visiting the doctor’s office.
This resource is brought to you in part by our Teen Advisory Council (TAC) members.
Speak Up & Be Heard
- Talk directly to your doctor. (yes, make eye contact 👀)
- Try answering questions yourself instead of looking at your parents for answers.
- Bring questions and don’t just “wing it”… If something feels off, say it!
👉Your doctor needs to hear you, not just your parent.
Use Your Tools
- Sign up for patient portals (like MyChart).
- Check your results, message your doctor, stay in the loop.
- Always grab your after-visit summary.
- Ask follow-ups if something comes up later.
👉You don’t have to remember everything—just know where to find it.
Own Your Info
- Keep a list of your doctors (names + numbers), known allergies (super important), and a list of meds/supplements you take.
- Add ICE (In Case of Emergency) contacts to your phone.
- You can still give your parents access if you want, but it’s your call whether you give them consent. Consent means giving permission to someone, such as a parent or doctor, to see or share your medical information. When you turn 18, you’ll be asked to sign a form for this; otherwise, your parents won’t be able to access your records or help advocate for you.
👉Think of this as your health cheat sheet.
Navigate Like a Pro
- Try checking yourself in at appointments.
- Get used to filling out forms. (yeah, annoying—but useful)
- Have your insurance card ready (or a pic of it).
- Know basic info about yourself when needed.
👉This is adulting… but make it manageable.
Manage Your Meds
- Keep track of when you need refills.
- Know what you’re taking (and why).
- Ask questions if instructions don’t make sense.
- Track your symptoms on the myHPP app if you are 18+ or record them in a journal or word document.
👉If you don’t understand it, ask—always.
Stay on top of Your Health
- Track symptoms or changes. (your phone = your best tool)
- Write down questions before appointments.
- Keep important papers in one place.
- Ask for copies so you always have your records.
👉Future you will thank you.
Final Thought
You don’t have to figure everything out at once. Start small:
👉Pick 1–2 things to try at your next appointment.
Every step makes you more confident, more independent, and more in control. You’ve got this. 💪