Telehealth Considerations for the Adolescent Patient

Recent rapid expansion of telemedicine services has included delivery of those services to adolescents and young adults. Telemedicine can be used to provide a wide array of health services to adolescent and young adult (AYA) including the treatment of mental health and substance use disorders, gender-affirming services, contraception, acute care, and health education. Special attention to minor consent laws which vary by state and country should help inform the health system and practice decisions for patient portal access, delivery of confidential care, and care for which the consent of a guardian or parent is required. For AYA with limited transportation options or who are geographically distant from specialty care, telemedicine helps expand access to those services.