Watching your child grow up and prepare for adulthood can be exciting, challenging and potentially overwhelming. After all, there are so many things to think about, such as continuing education, employment options and living independently for the first time. Another important aspect of becoming an adult that is sometimes overlooked is making the transition from pediatric to adult healthcare.
How Is Adult Healthcare Different from Pediatric Healthcare?
Healthcare for youth is geared toward families and puts the parent in the driver’s seat. That means when your child is young, you are in charge of communicating with doctors and making important decisions related to your child’s health.
When your child becomes a young adult and enters the adult healthcare system, they become responsible for their own healthcare needs and decisions. Your child will be the one talking to doctors, explaining concerns and asking questions. After turning 18, your child must give permission for you to accompany them to appointments, and you can no longer access your child’s medical records.
How to Prepare for the Transition
Generally, most people enter adult healthcare between the ages of 18 and 21. But you can start helping your child get ready for the leap into adulthood long before they turn 18.
During the teen healthcare years, encourage your child to ask their own questions during doctor visits and begin to make their own appointments and refill their own prescriptions, either by phone, online or through an app such as MyChart. It’s also a good idea for your child to start seeing the doctor alone around age 16 so they can begin to feel comfortable on their own. Talk with your teen about what age they might want to make the transition to an adult doctor and ask what questions they may have about healthcare.
When your child is ready, encourage them to ask their pediatric provider for recommendations about finding a new doctor. Work with your child to make sure they choose a doctor who accepts your health insurance plan and encourage them to always carry their insurance card. It’s also important for them to find out details such as what charges will be due at the time of a doctor’s visit.
Accessing Medical Records
Until your child turns 14, you can access their medical records on MyChart by requesting proxy access to their account. Between the ages of 14 and 17, your child can set up their own account access, and only immunization records will be available through proxy access. During this time, your child can adapt to using MyChart and accessing their own healthcare information. However, until your child turns 18, you can talk to their physician about accessing their records through other means.
Once your child is 18 years old, they are considered a legal adult, whether or not they still see their pediatric physician. By planning ahead and helping your child prepare, you can rest assured that your child will be ready to navigate the adult healthcare system when the time comes.
Schedule an Appointment
Are you helping your teen prepare for the transition to adult healthcare? Find a primary care provider at St. Elizabeth Physicians in Northern Kentucky and Southeastern Indiana.
