How Old Should You Be When You Stop Going to a Pediatrician?

A pediatrician is a doctor that specializes in managing and treating the health of children. Most pediatricians will see children from birth through 18 years of age, but sometimes there are special exceptions to this rule. If you’re wondering when your child should stop seeing their pediatrician, you’ve come to the right place. PAK Pediatrics is here to help.

Is There an Age Limit for Seeing a Pediatrician?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that a child see their pediatrician no later than the age of 21. However, because this is a recommendation and not a firm rule, there is some wiggle room depending on your doctor and their preferences. 

In a doctor’s office, your doctor might offer treatment and care up to 18 years old, 21 years old, or perhaps older, but most will recommend that you find an adult practitioner to take over at some point.

In the emergency room, a patient 18 years or older will automatically be sent to the adult care units.

Reasons to Continue Seeing Your Pediatrician

Some doctors have no problems seeing their patients after the age of 21, so many continue going to the same office for a few years out of convenience. This is especially more likely if a patient is generally healthy.

Other than convenience, there are two main reasons that patients continue to see their pediatrician after the age of 21: 

  • College
  • Chronic Illness/disability

College

College and higher education can be a very strenuous, busy time in someone’s life, especially if an individual chooses to go away for college.

Many college students choose not to find a new doctor until they have graduated. As a result, students often have access to healthcare on their campuses or travel home to see their pediatrician when necessary.

Taking care of their health in this way is usually a much easier option than locating a new doctor near their school. It also eliminates the need to find yet another new doctor when they return after graduating. 

Chronic Illness & Disability

Some patients may continue to see their pediatrician if they have a chronic condition or a developmental/intellectual disability. Switching doctors in these instances can be very traumatic and challenging, so it’s simpler and more beneficial for all parties involved to stay with a pediatrician for a bit longer. 

Why Do Adults Need a Different Doctor?

Pediatricians study to provide healthcare to children, specifically. So, their work focuses on things like the following:

  • Physical exams
  • Immunizations
  • Developmental milestones
  • Childhood nutrition
  • Fitness
  • Growth & development

Once a patient reaches adulthood, they begin to experience illnesses and conditions that are not encountered as often in the pediatric population. Adult doctors specialize in these conditions, which is why adult doctors don’t see pediatric patients. For example, a female who reaches the age of 21 should see an OB-GYN specializing in women’s health.

Bring Your Children to PAK Pediatrics

If you’re looking for a pediatrician to provide childhood or young adult care services, visit PAK Pediatrics today. Our staff of expert healthcare professionals is dedicated to providing the very best medical care for as long as our patients want or need it.

Schedule an appointment for your child today!