Aging out: Pediatrician vs. adult care

As parents, the thought of your child transitioning from their beloved pediatrician to an "adult" doctor can feel like a significant milestone, perhaps even a bit bittersweet. Your pediatrician has been there for every cough, sniffle, and growth spurt since infancy. But as your child approaches young adulthood, it's essential to understand when and how to facilitate this shift in their medical care.

Typically, pediatricians provide care up to age 18, and sometimes even up to 21, depending on the practice. This transition is a natural and necessary part of their development, as adult doctors specialize in health needs that are different from those of children. It’s a step towards your child taking more ownership of their own health.

So, when is the right time to make the switch? If your pediatrician's office has a strict age cut-off, that will dictate the timing. However, it's also about your child's evolving needs. If they're experiencing health concerns more typical of adults, or if they simply express a desire for an adult doctor, it might be time to start the process. This empowers them in their healthcare journey.

The "how" of this transition doesn't have to be complicated. Start by having an open conversation with your child's pediatrician. They are an invaluable resource and can often provide recommendations for adult primary care doctors within their network or in the community. Many pediatric practices even have established transition programs to ensure a smooth handover of care.

Next, you and your teen can research and choose a new doctor. This would typically be a general practitioner, a family medicine doctor, or an internal medicine doctor. Encourage your teen to be involved in this choice, as finding a doctor they feel comfortable with is key. They can ask friends for recommendations, or you can consult your insurance provider for in-network options.

Before the first appointment with the new doctor, you'll need to arrange for your child's medical records to be transferred from the pediatrician's office. This ensures the new physician has a complete history. Your pediatrician’s staff can guide you through this process. Guiding your child through this transition helps them become more independent and confident in managing their health.