“Well care physical for school?”
I'm 12 and I was wondering when you get a well care physical for school can you opt out of the genital checking?
Female | 12 years old
Complaint duration: everytime i get a physical
Medications: non
Conditions: non
2 Answers
PediatricianPediatrician
Hello
A genital exam is important as part of the physical to make sure you are developing. Don’t worry as doctors are very professional.
A genital exam is important as part of the physical to make sure you are developing. Don’t worry as doctors are very professional.
As a parent, you can "opt out" of any portion of any medical encounter. However, at age 12 yrs, physical examination of the patient's genital region, or "genital checking" as you call it, is a critical part of determining the progression of pubertal development, and can introduce important discussion of the topic of physical changes/sexuality, etc. Furthermore, as 12 yr olds are old enough to be aware of and understand the components of a physician encounter, it is important that the parent assist his/her child in understanding the importance of appropriate medical care, and what is -- and is not -- acceptable behaviors.
Shelley C. Springer, MD, MBA, MSc, JD, FAAP
Shelley C. Springer, MD, MBA, MSc, JD, FAAP
