
As you watch your children grow into young adults, it can be a little tearful watching them race past significant milestones throughout their lives. A significant milestone that is less often considered until your child is 25 and has a year left on your insurance is switching from a pediatrician to a primary care physician, which can be a family physician or an internist.
A pediatrician specializes in treating children and adolescents. The switch to a physician specializing in adult care generally occurs once your child reaches the ages of young adulthood, around 17-21 years old. However, each person will differ depending on individual circumstances and varying medical concerns.
Use these tips to make the transition as smooth and early as necessary:
- Start the discussion early with your child and your pediatrician – around middle school or the beginning of high school are good times.
- Initiate self-health management with your child (i.e. allowing them to carry their own inhaler or to speak for themselves with physicians during their appointments).
- If your child does have special medical conditions, be sure to work with your pediatrician to ensure the same needs will continue to be met during and after the transition.
- Obtain a copy of your child’s medical health records from your pediatrician.
- Make sure your child knows as much of their family medical history as possible – or have it included in their records that are sent over.
- Ask your pediatrician for a referral and check to make sure they accept your insurance.
Are you looking to transition your child from a pediatrician to a primary care provider? Or maybe even need to take the first step in finding yourself or the rest of your family a primary care provider? Learn about our conveniently located UofL Physicians – Primary Care locations by visiting UofLPhysicians.com/PrimaryCare. You can also call 502-588-4343 to schedule an appointment.