Parents of young children are well versed in what they like about their children\u2019s healthcare provider. Whether that individual is a pediatrician, family practitioner, pediatric nurse practitioner or physician\u2019s assistant, this is the person who has guided the family from infancy through adolescence, answering a myriad of questions and meeting pediatric healthcare challenges along the way. When a child reaches their teens, though, the parent and\/or the offspring may find that they are more comfortable seeking out an adolescent or adult healthcare provider. It\u2019s a matter of having a conversation. Who starts it? And how? What follows is a general guide to embarking on this change, which usually occurs between the ages of 18 and 21, though may occur earlier, depending upon the specific needs of the teen and family. Most providers agree that the process should actually begin earlier, with the provider and\/or parent encouraging a middle school child to explain why they\u2019ve come to the appointment, and what they hope to gain from their visit. In this way the teen is led toward becoming an active, primary participant in their own healthcare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are the logistical considerations; it may be necessary to make a change due to insurance considerations or a physical move from one locale to another. The pediatric provider may have a policy that states that she\/he will only see children up to a certain age. The young adult may be travelling to a distant location for college or employment. Certain immunizations are necessary for college and travel, so it\u2019s important to discuss these with the young adult. For these reasons, it\u2019s a good idea to start identifying practitioners the teen may want to transition to when the teen is in high school, so that, upon graduation, a safety net is in place that all are comfortable with. Look up practices and practitioners together, so that the teen understands the particulars regarding primary or specialist care, insurance guidelines, and appointment requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A smooth transition from one health care provider to another is ideal, which can be affected by a little bit of work by both parents and teens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s important for a teen to be aware of their insurance plan, whether there will be a copay, and to have their insurance card with them. They should also make a list of their concerns, perhaps with the help of a family member or support person, that they want addressed. It\u2019s very common to forget certain aspects of concern when in an appointment with a provider, or to exclude symptoms that you feel are of no consequence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It’s also essential that the young adult be provided with a medical history by their parents. A list of immunizations, childhood illnesses, allergies, injuries, hospitalizations and emergencies should be outlined, with dates. A complete medication list, including allergies to medications and any adverse reactions that have occurred is necessary. High schoolers should know the names and dosages of medications they are taking, and what they are taking the medications for. A family history is helpful, also. It\u2019s important that the family discusses the teen\u2019s history, so that the young adult can feel comfortable answering questions about their own medical background. Any chronic medical condition should be explained, and treatment guidelines reinforced, so that the teen has a thorough understanding of their condition and its implications. Such a document can enhance collaboration between providers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Parents have been asking questions of the pediatric provider for years, so handing over that responsibility to their teen is huge. Practicing self-advocacy is essential for a teen, so allowing them alone time with their health care provider is important. In this way the teen can build skills necessary for talking about their health and health care needs. When the adolescent recognizes that the parent is being respectful of their privacy, the relationship between the young adult and the healthcare provider is enhanced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n