No matter how much parents might wish for it sometimes, you can’t stop time. That means your child is going to grow–first, into a teenager and then into a full-blown adult. This transition from childhood to adulthood can be fraught–and for your child healthcare transition might not be on the top of the list. But moving from a pediatrician to an adult-based primary care provider can be an important step.
This transition from pediatrics to primary care does not always have to be abrupt. In fact, it’s entirely possible to make this change a positive one (especially with a little help from parents). Physicians usually recommend that families discuss child healthcare transition needs well in advance of the actual changeover. For parents, these discussions would ideally occur with both your teen and your teen’s pediatrician.
As your kids grow up, there will be plenty of milestones to celebrate. Switching from a pediatrician to a primary care provider can be one of those milestones–and it can be a very positive experience!
How to Prepare for Child Healthcare Transitions
As with much when it comes to raising children, parents have a very large role to play when it comes to this child healthcare transition. Parents can help shape the experience, ensuring that this transition is a positive one (and not scary or intimidating). Here are some things parents can do:
Starting around age 12-13 (depending on your child), start encouraging your child to manage their own medications. (For example, letting your child be responsible for managing use of their asthma inhaler.)
Make sure that your child can easily access their electronic medical records. Walking through the sign on and communication process with your teen can be very helpful.
Make sure your child is used to seeing and filling out all of the required forms. This is something you can show them how to start doing while still visiting your teen’s pediatrician.
Familiarize your child with their health insurance (and how to navigate your insurance system).
Talk to your kids about their privacy rights. Once they turn 18, parents no longer have access to their child’s medical records without permission.
This type of transition can be emotional–not only for kids but also for parents! (For kids, it can be a bit intimidating–for parents, it might be a bit sad mixed with a bit happy.) Make sure your communication pathways are clear and open.
Additionally, make sure you are communicating openly with your child’s pediatrician about this upcoming transition (your pediatrician will likely provide a lot of information for you–including referrals).
Healthy Transition vs Transition with Chronic Conditions
Every child eventually transitions from pediatric care to an adult primary care provider. But that transition does not look the same for everyone. Children who have no underlying conditions may have a somewhat simpler experience than children who have chronic conditions.
Some of the most significant differences between those children who do and do not have chronic conditions include the following:
Age: Children without chronic conditions will transition to primary care anywhere between 18 - 22 years of age, depending on their personal choice. Here at Children’s Healthcare Associates, we have found over the years that our post high school age patients, ages 18-22, prefer to stay rather than transition out. Many of our patients have long standing relationships with us and would rather not have to “reinvent the wheel” with a new provider if they are going off to college. We are happy to continue to provide care for these patients. We ask that they create their own MyChart account, sign a HIPAA agreement to allow their parent to contact us, and a few other stipulations.
Finding services before you switch: Children with chronic conditions often require a wide variety of services–from mental health services to physical therapy services and everything in between. It’s important to have these services lined up before you make the switch to your primary care provider. (It’s also important to discuss these referrals with your pediatrician to ensure continuity of care.)
Check your legal options: If your child has significant needs and is unable to take care of themselves, it may be necessary to secure a guardianship or power of attorney before your child turns 18. This is something you can talk about with your child’s pediatrician and a family law specialist.
The timeline for children with chronic conditions can vary significantly. Sometimes a chronic illness is relatively straightforward to deal with during this transition (for example, asthma). In other cases, your child may require a bit more time to get ready for their primary care provider. The sooner you start talking with your child’s pediatrician, the smoother and more positive that process can be.
Getting Ready for Your First Visit
Your child’s first visit to their new primary care provider can be pretty exciting! Which means it can be easy for things to fall through the cracks. Here are some tips that can help you prepare (and make the process a little easier):
Make sure your child knows (or has in hand) their family medical history.
Make sure you bring any paperwork and insurance information requested.
Write down a list of questions or topics you would like to discuss with your doctor.
Bring a list of medications you take or will require, along with the medical conditions that they treat.
The more you have written down, the less you’ll have to remember! Before this transition begins, ask your pediatrician if there’s anything special you need to do to ensure a smooth transition (after all, everyone’s a little bit different).
A Positive Experience
The goal of a primary care provider is to prepare your now-adult child for a lifetime of good health and wellness, to the degree possible. A successful transition from pediatric care to primary care can help accomplish that.
The goal of this transition–and all the tips above–is to help your child build a future of excellent healthcare. Want to get a head start on your child’s transition from pediatric care to primary care? Contact our Northbrook and Chicago offices today to schedule an appointment.