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.