SEATTLE — When children start to age out of pediatric care, it’s important for them to set up continuing adult care. A good time to make that transition is between the ages of 18 and 21.
“Pediatrics is really the care of children, and children is defined from infancy up through childhood and then adolescence,” said Dr. Kristen Austin, obstetrician-gynecologist at Providence Swedish. “Adolescence really ends around 21 or young adulthood.”
Pediatrics is a specialty, so seeking adult care when you age out is necessary. As a parent, you can help this transition by teaching kids to advocate for themselves and start making their own appointments.
“It’s not uncommon that I will have a patient come in with their mother and they’re in their 20s, and it’s not ideal,” Dr. Austin said.
You can start having your teenagers go to doctor’s appointment by themselves with preparation beforehand. Discuss their needs and what they want to get out of the appointment.
“As a healthcare provider, I love it when my patient comes in and they kind of know what they’re there for,” Dr. Austin said.
If you are in the exam room as a parent, it’s key to be quiet and let your child speak for themselves.
When seeking adult care, a pediatrician can help you decide on the next step and make recommendations based on any special medical needs.
“They’re the ones who have known you forever,” Dr. Austin said. “They know your family.”
You can also check websites and provider bios to determine a physician’s interests and specialties to find the right fit.
To learn more about your options for care, visit the Providence Swedish website.
Sponsored by Providence Swedish.
Segment Producer Joseph Suttner. Watch New Day Northwest 11 a.m. weekdays on KING 5 and streaming live on KING5.com. Contact New Day.