Whatever your questions, we’ve got answers.

Q. How do I know what service I need?
A. You might have lots of questions about your health, or maybe there’s only one thing on your mind right now.  Either way, there’s a place that fits your needs.  To know what’s right for you try these tips:

  • Think about your health question or concern.  See if any of the choices on the URhealthservices page match your question.  Click on the [?] to find more info about what each choice is.
  • Go to the URhealthinfo page to see if there are any websites or hotlines that can answer your question.  They might also tell you what service you need. 
  • If you’re still not sure, check off “I’m not feeling well or have a concern about my body” on the URhealthservices page.  Staff at these places can usually answer any question you might have, or send you to the right person who can help. 

Q.  Are the services on this website for me?
A. All of the services included in this site are for teens who live in Massachusetts. They are for teens no matter who you are - your race, ethnicity, gender, religion, where you were born, or if you are gay/lesbian/bisexual or straight.  But read all of the info carefully and ask questions before you go, like if you have to be a certain age or if you need your parent’s permission. 

Q. Will my parents know if I use these services?
A.  It depends. If you’re under 18, you’ll need parent permission for things like physicals, check-ups, or to treat you if you’re sick (like a sore throat).  Sexual health services – like getting birth control or STD testing – do not require parent permission.  You don’t need permission from a parent or guardian for these types of services.  If you aren’t sure if you’ll need permission from your parent, ask before you go.  Also, if your visit is charged to your parent’s health insurance, the insurance company might send a form to your parent about your visit.  So be sure to ask before your appointment if this will happen. Most staff can answer your questions about parent permission (“parental consent”) and insurance policies.

Q. Will anyone else know if I use these services?
A.  Information about your visit won’t be shared with anyone –including your parents or guardian – unless you say it’s OK.  This is what “confidential” means. If you’re under 18, you’ll need parent permission for things like physicals, check-ups, or to treat you if you’re sick (like a sore throat).  This means that they might also be told about what happens during your visit.  Sexual health services – like getting birth control or STD testing – do not require parent permission.  You don’t need permission from a parent or guardian for these types of services and nobody will be told what happens during your visit. BUT, there are a few exceptions to this rule.  Information may be shared in special cases like:

  • If you are or may be abused or mistreated, or
  • If you might harm yourself or someone else, or
  • If your life is in danger.

If confidentiality is important to you, ask the staff to explain their policy before you share any thing about yourself. 

Q. Why do I need to make an appointment?
A. While some places might let you just walk in for some services, most need you to make an appointment.  Don’t just show up unless you know that walk-in services are available.  Call to find out their hours, when you can come in, and if you need to schedule an appointment.  You might not need an appointment for some services – like getting condoms or general info. 

Q. How do I make an appointment?
A.  Most places will let you make an appointment in person or over the phone.  So while you might not be able to walk in for services, you could stop by to make an appointment.  Some places might ask you to fill out paperwork before your appointment – it might be online or they might send it to you.  If they mail paperwork to you, decide if you want it to go to your home or not.  Also, if you give them your phone number or email address, think about who else might answer the phone or read the email. 

Q. What will happen when I call to make an appointment?
A. Many of the places you’ll be calling are really busy and provide all kinds of information and services.  The receptionist might not be able to answer all of your questions or know about all of the services available for teens.  If you are calling for something specific, let the receptionist know.  If you’re not sure what to ask for, tell the receptionist you are calling about health services for teens.  And if you’re calling about sexual health services, you don’t need your parent’s permission.  You might need to remind the receptionist about this.    

Q. What questions should I ask when I call?
A. Below are some questions you might want to ask:

  • Can I talk to someone about ________ service?
  • Will I need to get parent permission or not?
  • Do you have walk-in hours or do I need to make an appointment?
  • Where are you located? 
  • Do I need to have insurance or pay anything (including a co-pay) for this service?
  • If insurance is used, will my parents find out from my insurance company that I came in?
  • Do I need to bring any info or fill out forms before I get there?
  • What will happen when I get there?
  • Will I need to have an exam? 
  • Can I bring someone with me?  Can they come in the exam room with me?

If you forgot to ask a question when you called, it is okay to call back just to double-check.  The important thing is that you get your questions answered. 

Q. Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?
A. It’s OK to be nervous or to want a friend or relative to come with you, especially if it’s your first visit.  Whether your friend or relative can come into the exam room depends on where you go and what you’re there for.  But, your friend or relative can always come with you and wait in the waiting room.  Be sure to ask ahead of time if you can bring someone with you. 

Q. What do I need to do before I go?
A. Below are some things to think about before you go for your appointment:

  • How am I going to get there? Will I need a ride?  Can I take a bus or train to get there?  How much time will it take?
  • How will I remember my appointment?  For tips on keeping track of your appointment, go to the URappointment page. 
  • Do I need to bring anything with me (like insurance information, ID, or a medical history)?
  • What questions do I have?  It might be a good idea to write down all of your questions so you won’t forget to ask them.   

Q. What will happen when I get there?
A. It’s a good idea to get to your appointment a little early.  Check in with the receptionist – give your name and the time of your appointment.  If there’s a specific person you are supposed to see, tell the receptionist.  You might need to fill out some paperwork.  If you don’t understand a question or need help filling out the form, let the receptionist know. Next, you’ll probably be called to meet with staff in a private room.  This person might ask you questions about your health and your life.  Be honest, but if you aren’t comfortable answering a question, that’s OK.  Just tell the staff.  You might need a physical exam.  If you aren’t sure, ask when you make your appointment, or when you first meet with the staff.  If you didn’t know that you had to have a physical exam and you don’t want one, that’s OK.  Tell them what worries you or makes you uncomfortable.  You can always come back another time when you’re ready. 

Q. Will I have to pay?
A. No one will be told to leave if they can’t pay.  Some services are available on a sliding scale – which means that how much you pay depends on how much you can afford.  Other services may be paid for by your parents’ insurance.  In this case, you might have to pay a little bit (called a co-pay) at the time of your visit.  Be sure to ask when you make your appointment if you’re going to have to pay anything. 

Q. Do I need to bring insurance information?
A. If you think you are covered by your parents’ health insurance, or have your own insurance (like MassHealth), you might need to bring this info with you to your visit.  Be sure to ask when you make your appointment exactly what type of insurance info they need.  If you want to keep your privacy, ask ahead of time if your insurance company will tell your parents that you are coming in for an appointment.  If the answer is yes, talk to the staff about what other choices you might have to keep your visit private. 

Q. Where can I get more info about health?
A. Check out the URhealthinfo page for hotlines and links to websites on all kinds of health stuff.  Under URhealthservices, you can search for people to talk to about sexual health and other health issues.  If you have questions about sex, go ahead and ask - you don’t need to be having sex to have your questions answered.   

Q. Who can I talk to about my health questions?
A. While this website can’t answer questions about your own health, there are many people who can.  The places listed in the URhealthservices page can help with all your health questions.  There are also hotlines that can answer your questions, and many websites listed in the URhealthinfo page have a place where you can submit your question to an expert.  Be sure to check out questions submitted by other teens – your question might have already been answered! 

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