Graduating From A Pediatrician To An Adult Doctor

Many children see one doctor their entire childhood years, a pediatrician. But when do teens, or young adults, need to transition from seeing a pediatrician to going to an adult doctor? 

When Am I Too Old For My Pediatrician?  

After seeing a pediatrician for 18 years, or maybe longer, you become very comfortable with your doctor, but pediatricians are doctors specially educated and trained in diagnosing and treating children.

“In general, patients will transition from their pediatrician to an adult primary care physician around age 18, or around the time that they finish high school. Some patients with complex medical problems will stay with their pediatrician a bit longer if preferred by the family,” said Aubrey Bonhivert, MD, FAAP, pediatrician with Franciscan Physician Network Pediatric Associates of Greenwood. “Most pediatricians ask that families find a new PCP around age 18, and by age 21 at the latest.”

Why Do I Need To Transition From My Pediatrician To An Adult Doctor?

Pediatricians are trained to care for patients during infancy, childhood and adolescence. 

“Once patients get beyond that adolescent period, it is best to see a physician who is trained to care for adults, since medical management often changes in adulthood,” said Dr. Bonhivert. 

What Is A Primary Care Physician?

A primary care physician (PCP) is a health care practitioner who sees people that have common medical problems. This person is most often a doctor. However, a PCP may be a physician assistant or a nurse practitioner.

When you’re a child or teen, your pediatrician or family medicine doctor is your primary care physician. As you age into adulthood, your primary care physician is most often a family medicine physician or internal medicine doctor. While your health needs may also require one or more health specialists, a primary care physician is the typically primary source of routine medical care, such as wellness exams, sick care or other general medical concerns.

“A PCP is meant to be a patient’s primary source of medical care.  It is very important to have a PCP, as this physician will get to know you and your medical history and be able to provide the most individualized care,” said Dr. Bonhivert. 

When Should I Visit My PCP?

Don’t wait until you are sick to visit your PCP for the first time.

“A PCP is crucial for monitoring your health over time by watching things like your blood pressure, screening labs, immunizations, and weight,” said Dr. Bonhivert.
You will visit your primary care provider for numerous reasons. Dr. Bonhivert stated that like pediatric patients, PCPs will see you for an annual checkup, follow any chronic health conditions, and ideally also be available for sick visits. 

“For otherwise healthy adult patients, a visit is only needed once each year. However, if you have any chronic health conditions, your PCP may need to check in more frequently,” said Dr. Bonhivert. 

How Do I Find A Primary Care Physician?  

If this is your first time searching for a new primary care physician, you may not know what to look for, or even where to start, when looking when trying to find a new doctor. 

“For most patients transitioning from a pediatrician, finding a new PCP is not too challenging,” said Dr. Bonhivert.  “The easiest way to start is by finding out who is in-network on your insurance plan in your area.” 

Dr. Bonhivert also stated that some patients that have more specific medical problems, such as type 1 diabetes, cerebral palsy, severe asthma, sickle cell disease, etc., it is more important to find a physician that will be comfortable helping you manage those health conditions.

Should I Transfer My Medical Records?

When moving to a new primary care physician’s office, don’t forget about transferring medical records. 

“Make sure to have your records from the pediatrician’s office sent over to your new PCP,” Dr. Bonhivert said. “This helps with continuity of care, particularly for patients with any medical problems or significant history.”

How Should I Find A Doctor For College?

Dr. Bonhivert has tips for students who need a doctor while they are away at college. 

“For adolescents staying local for college, it may be an option to find a PCP in the area for all of their health care needs,” said Dr. Bonhivert. “However, for any patients going further from home for college, it is best to have a PCP at home and establish care with the student health clinic at school. This is particularly important for patients that need ongoing follow up for conditions such as diabetes, ADHD, asthma, etc.”

When Should I See A Primary Care Physician Instead Of Urgent Care?

Urgent care centers are fitting if you need care for a minor medical emergency or if you require other medical services like lab work and vaccinations. These centers are convenient and widely accessible.

“Urgent care is a good option for urgent sick visits when your PCP’s office is not open, but a PCP is important for ongoing continuity of care, particularly for patients that have a recurring issue or any chronic conditions,” said Dr. Bonhivert. 

Do I Need A Gynecologist And A PCP?

As girls grow into teens, it's important that they get the right health care. 

“Adolescents are sent to the gynecologist for menstrual problems that pediatricians can't, or feel uncomfortable, to treat. If there are no issues, I recommend teens see a gynecologist prior to going to college,” said Catherine Sam, MD, obstetrician-gynecologist with Franciscan Physician Network Obstetrics & Gynecology Lafayette. “Choose someone that they will feel comfortable talking to. Most teenagers will prefer a female.” 

It is recommended for yearly checkups that focus on the female reproductive system, starting between the ages of 13 and 15. Often called well-woman visits, they can catch small issues before they become big ones. 

“Well-woman visits are to discuss normal menstrual cycle, normal and abnormal changes with the body pertaining to gynecologist,” said Dr. Sam.

Find your child’s next doctor or gynecologist today.