Adolescent Well-Care Visits (AWC)

The percentage of enrolled members 12–21 years of age who had at least one comprehensive well-care visit with a PCP or an OB/GYN practitioner during the measurement year.

Why It Matters?

This measure looks at the use of regular check-ups by adolescents. It reports the percentage of adolescents 12–21 years of age who had one or more well-care visits with a primary care provider or OB/GYN during the measurement year. Adolescents benefit from an annual preventive health care visit that addresses the physical, emotional and social aspects of their health.

Adolescence is a time of transition between childhood and adult life and is accompanied by dramatic changes. Accidents, homicide and suicide are the leading causes of adolescent deaths. Sexually transmitted diseases, substance abuse, pregnancy and antisocial behavior are important causes of—or result from—physical, emotional and social adolescent problems.

The AMA’s Guidelines for Adolescent Preventive Services, the federal government’s Bright Futures Program and the AAP guidelines recommend comprehensive annual check-ups for adolescents.^[1]

Historical Results – National Averages