Studying Models of Interdisciplinary Care

The National Alliance to Advance Adolescent Health is studying examples of interdisciplinary care for adolescents in different practice settings: hospital-based clinics, community health centers, and office-based practices.  We are examining the practice characteristics, staffing arrangements, and payment mechanisms that facilitate outreach and involvement of adolescents, interdisciplinary care, health promotion, and youth development. 

Legislative Advocacy

The National Alliance to Advance Adolescent Health seeks to work with federal lawmakers on a nonpartisan basis on health care issues of particular importance for adolescents, such as public health programs, health insurance coverage and benefits, health disparities, and graduate medical education. We are also collaborating with other organizations to generate support for legislation that promotes adolescent health. 

Examining Racial & Ethnic Disparities in Health Status and Access to Care

To inform our program and policy recommendations, the National Alliance to Advance Adolescent Health is analyzing several national surveys to assess the nature and extent of racial and ethnic disparities in health status, access to care, and behavioral risk factors among adolescents.

Identifying Financing and Institutional Issues Affecting Graduate Medical Education in Adolescent Health

The National Alliance to Advance Adolescent Health is examining the financial, institutional, and workforce factors that influence graduate medical education in adolescent health – both in pediatric residency programs and in adolescent medicine fellowship programs. Working with an expert advisory group that includes officials from the American Board of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Society of Pediatric Department Chairs, the Society for Adolescent Medicine, and the American Medical Association, we are identifying the main roadblocks impeding education and training in adolescent health and possible strategies for overcoming these barriers. 

Assessing Pediatricians' Interest in Interdisciplinary Care with the American Academy of Pediatrics

The National Alliance to Advance Adolescent Health is conducting a national survey of pediatricians to determine their interest in expanding their practices to include behavioral and reproductive health professionals to offer a more comprehensive set of teen-friendly primary care services. The survey will also ascertain the type and magnitude of support that pediatricians would need in order to restructure their practices accordingly.

Expanding Public Financing for Enhanced Health Promotion and Primary Care Services

The National Alliance to Advance Adolescent Health is examining opportunities for improving Medicaid and SCHIP financing of integrated behavioral, physical, and reproductive health care for adolescents. Through surveys, key informant interviews, and technical assistance we are identifying viable reimbursement, managed care, and benefit options.