When Should Kids Switch from a Pediatrician to an Adult Doctor?
Pediatricians have special training in adolescent medicine. And adolescents have special medical needs, which is why many young adults are keeping their pediatricians a bit longer than one would think.
No one said it was easy to be a teenager, or the parent of one. Puberty is just the beginning of a series of physical and emotional changes that will impact your child’s life. This is just one reason why many parents aren’t in a hurry to transition their child to a new doctor during a time of so many other changes.
Your child’s pediatrician is a valuable resource that knows and understands your child as you navigate through the growing pains of adolescence. Pediatricians also help provide a continuity of care that is essential to good health.
PIH Health Pediatrician, Sylvia Gonzalez MD says, “Teens and young adults have unique needs. If you transfer their care to adult medicine too early, it can become fragmented. This is why the best time to transition your child from a pediatric doctor to a primary care specialist is between ages 19-21.”
Pediatricians have special training in adolescent medicine. Some of the many issues they address are:
- Proper vaccination of the older child and young adult
- Screening for problems or diseases relevant to this age group
- Sexuality, drug and alcohol use, smoking, media use
- Anxiety or depression
- Menstrual disorders
We encourage parents and children to speak to their pediatrician to also help determine the best time to transition care to a primary care doctor. To schedule an appointment with a PIH Health Pediatrician, call 562.947.9399. Learn more about PIH Health at PIHHealth.org.
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