Are you a college student unsure how to find an adult doctor now that you have aged out of the pediatricians? I get it! I've been there and was wondering how in the world to go about that. Today, I will answer that question and tell you step-by-step how to find an adult doctor!
Hey, y'all! My name is Isabella, and I’m a college student learning how to navigate adulthood right alongside you! Today I will help determine exactly how to make the switch from a pediatrician to an adult doctor!
when to switch from a pediatrician to an adult doctor
Most people switch to an adult doctor after turning 18/19 or graduating high school. This is traditionally seen as the appropriate age to make this switch.
Please consult your pediatrician about when they recommend you start looking for an adult/family doctor to switch to. Most offices will give you plenty of notice when you are about to age out of their office to ensure you have time to find another doctor.
how to switch from a pediatrician to an adult doctor
1. Ask your pediatrician for a referral
This is especially helpful because they will know the other doctors in your area, their credentials, and whether they can accommodate your health needs.
This is an excellent first step because researching a new doctor can be overwhelming and confusing. Be sure to explain what you are looking for to your pediatrician and ask for their recommendation of an adult/family doctor to switch to.
2. research potential doctors in your area
Read reviews, ask around, and consider your needs.
Also, be sure to consider your area. For example, if you could commute from your college, need to look for a doctor in your college town, or simply look for a doctor in another state or city.
3. check your insurance
As you research potential doctors in your area, be sure to check whether your insurance plan covers the new doctor offices you are considering.
You can do this by calling the doctor's office to ask if they accept your insurance plan. You can also contact your insurance company to receive more information.
4. Call the doctor's office
Call your potential new doctor's office to see if they are currently accepting new patients and if so then inquire about scheduling a first time appointment.
However, some doctor's offices may require you to have a referral, especially if it is a specialist. To do this, you can contact your pediatrician to ask if they can give you a referral.
5. Request your medical records be transferred
When scheduling your new appointment, the new adult doctor will likely ask about your medical records. Give them the pediatrician's name, contact, and fax number so they can request your medical records from the pediatrician's office.
6. Confirm your appointment and ask what you may need to bring
Call to confirm your appointment and that the adult/family doctor received your medical records.
Additionally, ask what you may need to bring for your first appointment. For example, they may need a credit card, driver's license, and insurance cards.
things to consider when making the switch from a pediatrician to an adult doctor
- Will your insurance cover the doctor's office you are switching to?
- What kind of doctor do you need to meet your needs and health concerns?
- Where will you be living after 18/19 or graduating high school?
- TIP: Start looking for an adult doctor to switch to early. This will help ease your stress during your transition from high school to college/adult life.
I truly hope this post helped alleviate some of the stress that comes with your transition from highschool into college and adulthood. If this article helped prepare you, then I bet this article on 15 Most Important Questions To Ask Before Signing Your Lease would also be helpful.
With Love,
Isabella XO
