Watching your children grow and gain independence is a bittersweet experience for parents. Pediatricians, doctors who specialize in the care of children, share a similar sentiment as their young patients transition into adulthood.
Dr. Hirut Dagnew, a pediatrician at Beaumont Pediatrics, Southgate, expresses this feeling: “As a pediatrician, it gives me great joy to care for my patients from infancy through adolescence. Seeing them leave our practice is sometimes difficult, but it’s a natural part of guiding them towards adult healthcare.” This transition is a crucial step in a young person’s journey to managing their own health independently.
Understanding when to move from a pediatrician to a primary care physician, such as a family doctor, is important. First, let’s clarify the roles of these different medical professionals.
Pediatrician vs. Family Doctor: Understanding the Difference
Pediatricians are primary care physicians with specialized training focused exclusively on infants, children, and adolescents. Their residency training is centered on the unique medical needs of this age group, encompassing all aspects of a child’s physical, mental, and emotional development. To become board-certified, they must pass a rigorous pediatric board exam.
Dr. Dagnew explains the next step in healthcare for young adults: “When teenagers and young adults transition from pediatric care, they typically move to either a family medicine doctor or an internal medicine physician.” Family medicine doctors, like pediatricians, are primary care providers, but they are trained to care for patients of all ages, from newborns to the elderly. Internal medicine doctors specialize in the care of adults.
Determining the Age for Transition
The typical age range for transitioning from a pediatrician to a family doctor or general practitioner is between 18 and 21 years old, according to Dr. Dagnew. However, the ideal timing can depend on individual health circumstances.
“For healthy adolescents without significant medical issues, transitioning at 18 is often appropriate,” Dr. Dagnew notes. “However, for those managing chronic or complex health conditions, it may be beneficial to remain with their pediatrician until they are 20 or 21. This allows for continued specialized care and a smoother coordination of ongoing treatment.” It’s important to note that most pediatricians generally do not continue to see patients beyond the age of 21.
Some teenagers may feel ready to switch to a family doctor even before turning 18. They might feel out of place in a pediatric waiting room designed for younger children. In these cases, Dr. Dagnew often recommends transitioning to a family medicine physician.
“Often, these young individuals are healthy and well-adjusted, without chronic health concerns, making them good candidates for a family doctor who can provide comprehensive care for the entire family,” she states.
Tips for a Smooth Transition from Pediatric to Adult Care
Making the switch from a pediatrician to a family doctor is a significant step towards independent healthcare management. Here are helpful tips to ensure a seamless transition:
Start the Conversation Early
Dr. Dagnew emphasizes the importance of early communication. She typically begins discussing the transition process with her patients when they are in middle school or entering high school. These conversations are often integrated into annual wellness visits, alongside discussions about puberty and other developmental milestones.
“I explain to them that just as they progress through different stages of education, they will also transition to adult healthcare providers,” she says. “I encourage them to ask questions and address any concerns they or their parents may have.” Open dialogue helps prepare both the adolescent and their family for this change.
Encourage Self-Management of Healthcare
Promoting independence in healthcare management is crucial as adolescents mature. Dr. Dagnew provides an example with her asthma patients: “For teenagers with asthma, I empower them to carry their own rescue inhalers once they reach the age of 12. I also engage them in conversations about their daily controller medications and whether they remember to take them independently.” Parents can adopt similar strategies, gradually encouraging their children to take more responsibility for their health.
Collaborate with Your Pediatrician for Special Needs
If your child has special healthcare needs, proactive planning is essential. If your child requires ongoing therapies like occupational or physical therapy, mental health services, or respite care, initiate discussions with your pediatrician well in advance of the transition. Your pediatrician can help you identify and access appropriate adult healthcare services and specialists to ensure continuity of care.
Dr. Dagnew also advises parents of children with significant needs to consider guardianship or power of attorney arrangements before their child turns 18, depending on the level of support their child will continue to require.
Transferring Medical Records
Your child’s new family doctor will need access to their complete medical history. Fortunately, electronic health records have greatly simplified the process of transferring medical information between healthcare providers.
“For patients with complex medical histories, I often prepare a comprehensive summary of their past and current health issues to give to the parents or caregivers,” Dr. Dagnew mentions. “This provides them with a readily accessible overview for quick reference during the initial visits with the new physician.” Ensuring the smooth transfer of medical records is a key step in establishing effective care with a new healthcare provider.
Making the move from a pediatrician to a family doctor is a normal part of growing up. By understanding the appropriate age for this transition and taking proactive steps, you can ensure your young adult receives the continued, age-appropriate healthcare they need as they embark on adulthood.
