Learn When To Graduate From Pediatric Care July 10, 2023 When will your child graduate from their pediatricianto a primary care provider? It’s important to start thisconversation early and have a plan in place well before it istime to make the transition. As your child grows, they shouldbecome more involved in their health care and be part of theprocess and plan. The American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendation forthis transition is not age specific. As of 2017, they encouragethe provider, parent and child to make the decision togetherand consider the child’s specific needs. Previously theacademy had recommended age 21 (as of 1969) and age18 (as of 1938). Pediatricians and clinics can choose their own averageage recommendation, which can be based on personalpreferences. Also talk to your pediatrician aboutrecommendations they may have for adult providers. “There are many reasons to stay with a pediatrician past18 or 21 years of age,” said Shellie Russell-Skerski, MD,a Samaritan pediatrician in Newport. “Chronic healthconditions such as asthma, congenital diseases or otherproblems are best cared for by a pediatrician. If your childhas special needs, they could benefit from an ongoingrelationship with their pediatrician. Mental, physicaland emotional health should also be considered beforetransitioning to a PCP or other adult care provider.” Review these tips to help you planfor this transition: Start the conversation with your child and theirpediatrician by age 15. In Oregon starting at age 14, adolescents can seektreatment for mental and reproductive health careindependently. This is another way to have your childstart taking an active role in their health care. Have your child take on more responsibility as theybecome an adolescent, such as making appointmentsand talking to the doctor. Keep a file with all your child’s important medicalinformation and have your child start managing it. Youwill not have access to your child’s medical informationafter they turn 18 years old unless they grant you proxyaccess. Discuss this with your child and their healthcare team. Start looking for an in-network provider with your child.It can take a while to find someone who fits the needs ofyour child and who they will be comfortable with. Prepare and empower your child to take over their health careplanning. Work with their pediatrician and together come upwith a plan and graduation age that works for everyone. Learnmore about proxy MyChart access at samhealth.org/MyChart.