Learn When To Graduate From Pediatric Care

When will your child graduate from their pediatrician
to a primary care provider? It’s important to start this
conversation early and have a plan in place well before it is
time to make the transition. As your child grows, they should
become more involved in their health care and be part of the
process and plan.

The American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendation for
this transition is not age specific. As of 2017, they encourage
the provider, parent and child to make the decision together
and consider the child’s specific needs. Previously the
academy had recommended age 21 (as of 1969) and age
18 (as of 1938).

Pediatricians and clinics can choose their own average
age recommendation, which can be based on personal
preferences. Also talk to your pediatrician about
recommendations they may have for adult providers.

“There are many reasons to stay with a pediatrician past
18 or 21 years of age,” said Shellie Russell-Skerski, MD,
a Samaritan pediatrician in Newport. “Chronic health
conditions such as asthma, congenital diseases or other
problems are best cared for by a pediatrician. If your child
has special needs, they could benefit from an ongoing
relationship with their pediatrician. Mental, physical
and emotional health should also be considered before
transitioning to a PCP or other adult care provider.”

Review these tips to help you plan
for this transition:

• Start the conversation with your child and their
  pediatrician by age 15.
• In Oregon starting at age 14, adolescents can seek
  treatment for mental and reproductive health care
  independently. This is another way to have your child
  start taking an active role in their health care.
• Have your child take on more responsibility as they
  become an adolescent, such as making appointments
  and talking to the doctor.
• Keep a file with all your child’s important medical
  information and have your child start managing it. You
  will not have access to your child’s medical information
  after they turn 18 years old unless they grant you proxy
  access. Discuss this with your child and their health
  care team.
• Start looking for an in-network provider with your child.
  It can take a while to find someone who fits the needs of
  your child and who they will be comfortable with.

Prepare and empower your child to take over their health care
planning. Work with their pediatrician and together come up
with a plan and graduation age that works for everyone. Learn
more about proxy MyChart access at samhealth.org/MyChart.