When Alone Is Good

Adolescent visits to primary care clinicians are critical for delivery of preventive care and screening for problems such as depression or unprotected sexual activity. Such efforts are best accomplished when adolescents are offered some degree of confidentiality. Investigators examined how often adolescents receive confidential services in a study of a nationally representative sample of 4302 caregivers of adolescents (age range, 12–17 years) who took part in a medical expenditure survey from 2001 to 2004. General check-ups, well-child examinations, or receipt of immunizations were considered preventive care visits; time alone with the provider was a proxy for confidential services.

Overall, 34% of adolescents spent time alone with a provide…