Transitioning from Pediatrics to Adult Primary Care

Posted on Nov 14, 2011 | 1 comment

Among the many changes you experience as you become a young adult is the transition to an adult primary care doctor. Your pediatrician will care for you until you turn 18, so it’s a good idea to start thinking about who will replace your pediatrician before then. Look for a doctor who you are comfortable with and trust, and will be honest with you about any health risks you may have. You also want that person to be easy to reach, as you may be heading off to college.

If you are ready for this change, ask your current doctor to help you find an awesome new physician. Have your parents help you schedule an appointment with your new physician prior to switching over to adult health care. If you are a PAMF patient, sign up for My Health Online – and manage much of your health care (after age 18) online, including sending a secure e-mail to your doctor’s office about non-urgent health questions, view and chart test results, request a prescription renewal, and view instructions from a recent doctor’s visit or request an appointment.

Helpful hints about assuming responsibility for your medical care:

•  Set an alarm reminding you when to take daily medicines
• Carry a copy or list of your medications and your doctor’s business card in your wallet with emergency contact information
• Keep an up-to-date calendar with all appointments
• Enter your clinic’s number into your cell phone

Additonal Resources:

A Guide for a Smooth Transition from Your Pediatrician to Your Adult Primary Care Physician
(PDF flier and checklist for teens and parents)

Transitioning from Pediatric to Adult Care — PAMF Teen Health web page

Nancy Brown, Ph.D.,  a nationally-recognized health educator and adolescent development expert at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation (PAMF), contributed to this blog post.