When to Transition Your Child From a Pediatrician to a Primary Care Doctor

If you have a child who is getting into their teenage years, you may be wondering when to make the switch from a pediatrician to a primary care doctor. There is no one definitive answer, and not all children need to transition at the same age—sometimes they may stay with their pediatrician until they are adults. The primary care experts at Center of Advanced Wellness will walk you through some things to consider and keep in mind when you begin thinking about moving your child away from their pediatrician.

---

What to Consider When Changing From a Pediatrician to a Primary Care Doctor

The transition from a pediatrician to a primary care doctor is an important milestone in a child’s life. There are several factors to consider when making this transition, including the child’s age, health, and medical history. It is also important to find a primary care doctor who is a good fit for the child and his or her family. Here are some tips for making the transition:

• Talk to your child’s pediatrician about when it might be time to transition to a primary care doctor. The pediatrician will be able to give you specific guidance based on your child’s individual needs.
• Start by looking for primary care doctors who are accepting new patients. Once you’ve found a few potential candidates, schedule appointments for each of them. This will give you a chance to meet the doctor and get a feel for their bedside manner.
• Be sure to bring along your child’s medical records when you transition to a new doctor. This will help the new doctor get up to speed on your child’s health history.
• Finally, don’t forget to ask your friends and family for recommendations. Chances are, someone you know has already gone through this process and can offer some helpful advice.

How Long Can a Child Stay With a Pediatrician?

As children grow, they transition from seeing a pediatrician to a primary care doctor. But how long can children stay with a pediatrician? The answer may vary depending on the child’s age, health, and family situation. In general, though, it’s usually best for children to see a pediatrician for as long as possible. Typically, pediatricians will stop seeing children once they become adults, between the ages of 18-21.

What are the Pros and Cons of a Seeing a Pediatrician Into Adulthood?

There are several benefits to having a pediatrician as a child’s primary care doctor. Pediatricians have specialized training in childhood development, so they’re better equipped to identify and treat problems early on. They’re also more likely to be up-to-date on the latest immunizations and treatments. And because they’ve been caring for children for years, they tend to have a good rapport with them. There are some drawbacks to seeing a pediatrician into adulthood, though. First, not all insurance plans will cover pediatricians after a certain age. And secondly, some people feel uncomfortable discussing sensitive topics (such as sexual health) with a pediatrician who has known them since they were a child. But overall, the pros of having a pediatrician as your primary care doctor outweigh the cons.

Find Your Child’s New Primary Care Doctor at Center of Advanced Wellness

Once you’re ready to start talking about moving your child onto a primary care doctor, simply contact our offices, or stop by one of our Texas-based primary care centers to learn more. We’ll be happy to help you and your family stay healthy.