Staying in the room at the pediatrician
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Anonymous
| Starting at what age does y'all's pediatrician office ask you to step out during physical exams. Even though we see a female doctor, I still prefer to stay in the room for my son's entire check up. |
Anonymous
| I think it’s so they can ask questions about abuse and sexual activity. Your son should know the doctor is a safe place and I think you should respect his privacy. |
Anonymous
| My son last saw his ped in person at 14. She gave him the option of me turning around or leaving the room. He picked turn around and she said that was fine this year, but next year I get to leave the room. His 15 yo visit was virtual, so I guess that will happen at 16. |
Anonymous
| They don't. My kids can ask me to leave. Their ped asks me when they're at the end of their senior year of high school if it's okay with me if they tell my kid that if the kid has any health issues while at college, they can contact them directly, to which I say yes. |
Anonymous
| I have been asked to leave the room for a portion of the visit since DC turned 13. I assume it's to ask questions about drugs/alcohol/abuse. Is this not the norm? |
Anonymous
| I think we started leaving at 11, maybe 12? It's really whatever makes the child more comfortable. Obviously at very young ages, they are more comfortable with a parent during the physical exam, and as an older teen, it would be very uncomfortable to have a parent there - the crossover age depends on the child. Even if you stay for the exam, the doctor might want to have a few minutes in private for a discussion, however, and I think you should leave for that. |
Anonymous
I leave for her to ask him questions, but I stay for the entire actual exam (even the private part). |
Anonymous
|
Our pediatrician says parents "will be asked to leave" for part of all teen visits. But when the parent leaves, I'm pretty sure a nurse stays along with the doctor.
At 13 last year, they offered her the choice, and she asked me to stay. Presumably this year, she won't be offered the choice. |
Anonymous
It's absolutely the norm, but I think the age at which they start doing this can vary. |
Anonymous
Yucky. How would you have felt if your Mom/Dad had done that? |
Anonymous
| That's ripe for abuse. If a doctor bans a parent its a huge red flag. But, my son doesn't care at all. |
Anonymous
Just turn around for that part. |
Anonymous
I spent three years changing his diaper and six years giving him baths. I think he can handle me seeing his twig and berries for thirty seconds a year. |
Anonymous
| I've never been asked to leave but I've told my son that he can ask the doctor any questions and can ask me to leave while he does so. |
Anonymous
| I would never leave my kid in the room with a male doctor. I might be willing to leave them with female doctors. |