It might seem like only yesterday that you stepped into the pediatrician’s office for your child’s very first visit. But the time will come when your child needs to move into adult health care.
This change can be overwhelming for you and your child. But if you’re both prepared and plan ahead, it can be a smooth step on the path to adulthood.
Finding a New Doctor
Kids become legal adults at age 18. Then, they can visit an adult primary care physician (PCP), such as an internal medicine doctor (internist), a general practitioner, or a family medicine doctor.
Pediatricians are trained to care for kids and teens. Some still might provide care for a little longer if a young adult is in college (usually until college graduation or age 21). But this varies from doctor to doctor.
Ask your pediatrician for a referral if you don’t have a family doctor that your child wants to see or if your child has a chronic condition that will need an adult specialist’s care.
It may be a challenge to find a PCP or adult specialist if your child has a rare condition, disability, or pediatric-onset condition (one that develops only in childhood). You’ll want someone who’s comfortable caring for these complex needs. So start searching for doctors early, during the teen years.
Ask if your child can see a new doctor for a trial period. Then, follow up with the pediatric specialist to see how things went and put both doctors in touch to plan for the transition of care. Allow plenty of time for this process. That way, if there’s an issue your child can continue seeing the pediatric specialist until you find an adult provider who is a better fit.
