Making the change for your child: Pediatrician to primary care provider

As you watch your children grow into young adults, it can be a little tearful watching them race past significant milestones throughout their lives. A significant milestone that is less often considered until your child is 25 and has a year left on your insurance is switching from a pediatrician to a primary care physician, which can be a family physician or an internist.

A pediatrician specializes in treating children and adolescents. The switch to a physician specializing in adult care generally occurs once your child reaches the ages of young adulthood, around 17-21 years old. However, each person will differ depending on individual circumstances and varying medical concerns.

Use these tips to make the transition as smooth and early as necessary:

  • Start the discussion early with your child and your pediatrician – around middle school or the beginning of high school are good times.
  • Initiate self-health management with your child (i.e. allowing them to carry their own inhaler or to speak for themselves with physicians during their appointments).
  • If your child does have special medical conditions, be sure to work with your pediatrician to ensure the same needs will continue to be met during and after the transition.
  • Obtain a copy of your child’s medical health records from your pediatrician.
  • Make sure your child knows as much of their family medical history as possible – or have it included in their records that are sent over.
  • Ask your pediatrician for a referral and check to make sure they accept your insurance.

Are you looking to transition your child from a pediatrician to a primary care provider? Or maybe even need to take the first step in finding yourself or the rest of your family a primary care provider? Learn about our conveniently located UofL Physicians – Primary Care locations by visiting UofLPhysicians.com/PrimaryCare. You can also call 502-588-4343 to schedule an appointment.

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Article by: Mini Aggarwal, MD

Mini Aggarwal, M.D., is a primary care physician at UofL Health. Dr. Aggarwal treats patients from their birth through end-of-life issues. “I love the bonds that I have formed by caring for entire families in many instances.” Mini is involved with the Community Health and Wellness Committee through the Greater Louisville Medical Society. Mini went to medical school at the University of Louisville, where she also completed her residency in family medicine. You can find Dr. Aggarwal at UofL Physicians – Primary Care in Fairdale, KY.

All posts by Mini Aggarwal, MD
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