When is it time for me to transition to adult doctors?
Your Age
By Choice
Adult Programs at Children’s Hospitals
Your Age
For most people, age is the determining factor of when it is time to transition from pediatric to adult doctors. For primary care physicians, the age is typically 18 years of age. For specialty doctors, the age of transition may be 21 years of age. If your healthcare is currently performed by pediatric doctors and you are unsure of when it is time for you to transition to adult healthcare, ask your current healthcare team.
Whatever the age of transition from pediatric to adult healthcare, it is important to begin preparing for this transition.
By Choice
You may choose to not be seen by pediatric-specific doctors. This is your and/or your family’s decision. This also could be determined by your location, however, some adult doctors will not see children and will refer you to another professional who specializes in pediatrics. Some hospitals have both pediatric and adult clinics which makes transitioning within the hospital easier.
Adult Programs at Children’s Hospitals
There are clinics at children’s hospitals that continue care for adults even after the set age of transition from the hospital as a whole. Examples of when this may happen is when adults choose to continue to be a part of a research program or there is not an adult clinic in the area that cares for a specific diagnosis. If this is the case for you and your care team, your care team will be able to inform you on this information.