Teaching Kids to Own Their Well-being: Strategies for Parents by Celia Reeves

As your teen grows older, you’ve guided them through numerous transitions, from infancy to school and through various diagnoses, and now you’re approaching the significant shift to adult healthcare. This change presents new challenges as it requires teens to take on greater responsibility for their care. Unlike pediatric care, where parents typically handle appointments and questions, adult healthcare expects patients to manage their appointments, advocate for their treatments, and understand their insurance. To facilitate a smoother transition, it’s crucial to gradually teach your teen these skills. As they enter adulthood, they’ll face the responsibility of making their own medical decisions, and it’s important to encourage them to manage their healthcare effectively to foster independence and self-reliance. This article explores practical strategies for preparing teens to take charge of their health, delves into the implications of privacy laws like HIPAA, and highlights resources for informed medical decision-making.

Shifting to personal experiences that shed light on the journey of healthcare expertise, Celia Reeves, also known as Celia “Cici” Reeves, the dynamic CEO and founder of Medical Coding Mama, provides an inspiring example. Her career began under challenging circumstances as a young widow with a dream of learning medical coding after her husband’s illness. Her dedication was apparent as she studied diligently, even keeping her coding books under her bed until her classes began. Reeves’ journey took her to Tucson, where she worked with Arizona’s first female urologist, passed the national coding exam in 2009, and gained diverse experience coding for a children’s clinic. In 2016, she combined her passion for coding with her experience as a single parent to found Medical Coding Mama. Now, with 18 years of expertise, she is dedicated to teaching others the intricacies of medical coding.

Key Elements of Teaching Teens to Make Their Own Medical Decisions

Teaching teenagers to make their own medical decisions involves several critical elements. First, involving them actively in healthcare-related tasks can be highly beneficial. For instance, having teens take the initiative in scheduling their medical appointments and managing their health records prepares them for the future. Such involvement helps ensure they are not overly reliant on their parents and are ready to handle these tasks independently when they reach adulthood.

Starting this process in high school can provide teens with the skills and confidence they need. This approach has practical advantages; for example, students who are accustomed to handling their health management are better equipped to navigate the healthcare system when they attend college. Conversely, students who rely entirely on their parents for medical tasks may struggle with these responsibilities when they are away from home, creating additional stress during an already challenging time.

Understanding the Impact of HIPAA on Parental Access

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) plays a crucial role in managing medical information for individuals over the age of 18. Under HIPAA regulations, once a person reaches adulthood, their medical records are safeguarded by privacy laws. The HIPAA Privacy Rule establishes national standards to protect personal health information, which includes medical records and other identifiable health details. This rule applies to health plans, healthcare clearinghouses, and healthcare providers involved in specific electronic healthcare transactions. 

This shift in privacy protection can be surprising for many parents, who might find themselves unable to access their adult child’s medical information without explicit consent. For parents used to oversee all aspects of their child’s healthcare, this change can pose challenges. To address potential issues, families need to have proactive discussions about these privacy changes and establish clear agreements on how medical information will be shared.

Practical Strategies for Involving Teens in Their Healthcare

According to Reeves, involving teens in their healthcare is crucial and can be achieved through several practical steps. One effective approach she suggests is encouraging teens to take the lead in scheduling their own medical appointments. This helps them grasp the logistics and responsibilities of healthcare management and prepares them for the independence required in college and adulthood.

Reeves also emphasizes the importance of parents discussing medical consent and confidentiality with their teens. Having open conversations on these topics can help teens understand their rights and responsibilities. For example, explaining how medical consent works and reassuring them about confidentiality can empower teens to make informed decisions without fear or confusion.

Guiding Teens on Medical Consent and Confidentiality

Celia Reeves highlights that discussing medical consent and confidentiality is a crucial step in preparing teens to take charge of their health. She advises parents to have open conversations with their children to explain the principles of medical consent—such as the necessity of providing consent before any medical procedure—and the significance of maintaining confidentiality. These discussions can empower teens to navigate medical environments with confidence and understand their rights as patients. She also points out the importance of teaching teens how to advocate for themselves in healthcare settings. Encouraging them to ask questions and seek clarity about their treatments and options not only promotes better health outcomes but also fosters a stronger sense of control over their healthcare decisions.

Resources for Informed Medical Decision-Making

Several resources can assist young adults in making informed medical decisions. Healthcare providers, such as doctors and specialists, serve as invaluable sources of information and guidance. These professionals can provide detailed explanations about medical conditions, treatments, and preventive care, helping young adults make well-informed choices regarding their health, according to Reeves. She highlights the importance of reliable online resources, such as websites dedicated to chronic conditions and reputable medical organizations, which provide extensive information on various health issues. These platforms offer insights into managing specific conditions and understanding different treatment options.

Furthermore, Reeves notes that in college towns, teaching hospitals and medical schools often conduct research and offer educational programs related to healthcare. These institutions can serve as excellent resources for students looking to expand their knowledge and access additional support.

Preparing teens to manage their health independently involves educating them about the importance of handling medical appointments, understanding privacy laws like HIPAA, and equipping them with the skills needed to make informed decisions. Reeves emphasizes that by involving teens in their healthcare decisions and providing guidance on consent and confidentiality, parents can facilitate a smoother transition into adulthood. Utilizing available resources and fostering open communication are essential strategies to ensure young adults are well-prepared to manage their healthcare independently.