Listening to your child about what they want when it comes to their healthcare is an important factor in supporting them in their journey as an adult. Some children may be nervous about taking on health responsibilities without their parent. Others may be ready to make the switch but won’t know where to start. It all comes down to understanding how they feel. As their guardian, you might have been the only person navigating their health visits. Make sure you talk to your child about the healthcare process and the responsibilities that come with it.

There is currently no age limit to seeing a pediatrician. Transitioning care will all depend on your child. It will be based on age and development. Your pediatrician can help you determine an appropriate time to do this. For some patients, this will likely be between the ages of 18 and 21.

Here are some common signs to look for if your child is ready to transition their healthcare. One of the first indicators would be age. Most children stop seeing their pediatrician at the age of 18. This is because at 18, you are considered an adult. Another sign to make the switch is if your child has medical conditions that require care into adulthood. Having a provider that specializes in their condition can be comforting to your child. Additionally, if they can communicate their health, it could be time to transition them. They might want privacy or more independence. The decision to transition should be a conversation between you and your child to ensure the best medical care.

Parents may feel worried about their child's move from a pediatrician to an adult doctor. It can be overwhelming to build trust with a new provider. There might be a lot of medical information to talk about. Another concern is a change in consistency. It's also common for kids to feel anxious about the switch. To make the process easier, you can support your child in researching their options.

Transitioning healthcare providers is a major change for a child. Here are some tips to help them through the process. Be proactive, as they get ready to make the switch, be sure they talk about it with their pediatrician. Research a list of potential providers so they make the right choice for themselves. Gather medical records, this will help their new provider be up to date with their medical history. Finally, schedule an appointment with their new provider. Once they’ve made a smooth transition, offer your help if they need it.

Some children may want to stick with their pediatrician past the age of 18. Some will want to switch providers as minors. Regardless of their choice, letting your child have the option to take control of their health is empowering for them. This includes allowing them to make choices about their healthcare providers. Once they are ready to say goodbye to their pediatrician, you can take a supporting role. Provide them guidance so they make good choices. Remember that this is a natural part of their transition to adulthood. Help set them up for a lifetime of health and well-being.

At Clinicas, we can help you and your family establish great health routines. We offer Primary Care services at our health centers throughout Ventura County. We’re here to help you and your family. You can also read more about Clinicas Primary Care online.