Adolescents are young people between the ages of 12 and 20. Traditionally, this group has been cared for either by pediatricians or family physicians. In recent years a new specialty of adolescent medicine has been created, but specialists administering these medications for adolescents are not available in many locations. Although adolescent care facilities and school-based clinics are becoming more common, most adolescents are still cared for in traditional health care settings.

Adolescence, which is the progression from childhood to adulthood, is a time of great physical and emotional change. Adolescent health care addresses both these areas. Frequently, families whose children reach adolescence in good health tend to take this for granted. Medical checkups may become brief and infrequent. Many teens only see a doctor for quick checkups required by their schools for participation in sports. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends yearly checkups for adolescents with complete evaluations...