Can you go to the doctor without a parent?

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asked Jun 13, 2022 in Kids Health by connection888 (570 points)
Can you go to the doctor without a parent?

1 Answer

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answered Jun 14, 2022 by Q766s (22,770 points)
You can go to the doctor without a parent as long as you're 16 years of age or older.

Anyone 16 years of age or over, where no parent or guardian is immediately available, may give consent to hospital, medical or surgical treatment or procedures.

Let the doctor know you want some private time.

If you didn't call ahead, you can tell the nurse that checks you into a room.

This way the doctor knows that you want to have time at the appointment without your parents.

People aged 16 or over are entitled to consent to their own treatment.

This can only be overruled in exceptional circumstances.

Like adults, young people (aged 16 or 17) are presumed to have sufficient capacity to decide on their own medical treatment, unless there's significant evidence to suggest otherwise.

If you′re under eighteen and don′t live at home, you may be able to obtain medical care without your parents' consent or them knowing.

You′re allowed to go to the doctor on your own, for example, if you′re emancipated (legally free) under the laws of your state, or if you′re married or a parent.

A doctor or nurse can provide medical treatment to a child or young person with their consent if they are competent, or with the consent of a parent or the court.

Doctors, nurses and surgeons etc can provide emergency treatment without consent of the parents or guardian to save the life of, or prevent serious deterioration in the health of, a child or young person.

Children under 16 years old can give consent for themselves if they are judged to be capable of making the decision.

If your child under 16 years is judged competent and refuses treatment, this can be overruled by a person with Parental Responsibility, if the doctors think that is in their best interests.

As a minor or someone under 18 your health insurance company may share information about your claims with your parents.

Unfortunately, they have no control over the information disclosed by your insurance company.

Please contact your insurance company to find out what information they will share with a parent or plan holder.

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