Does a 17-old go to an adult or pediatric doctor?

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Forum -> Children's Health

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amother

Wed, Dec 02 2020, 10:37 pm

Is it better for a 17-old girl to go to a pediatric GI and endocrinologist or an adult one? Live in NJ.
Thank you.

essie14

Thu, Dec 03 2020, 3:14 am

I would take her to an adult Dr.

amother

Aqua

Thu, Dec 03 2020, 3:47 am

I would say from age 15 or so you go to a doctor for adults, especially if it's a new doctor.

blessedflower

Thu, Dec 03 2020, 5:34 am

They can go to both. Which on does she prefer? Take her to that on.
If she is going to go to a new dr anyway start with adult so she doesn't need to change soon

tweety1

Thu, Dec 03 2020, 6:19 am

My pediatrician still accepts this age. Till age 21 unless you get married earlier.

amother

Turquoise

Thu, Dec 03 2020, 6:50 am

Our kids' doctor used to say that when his patients are old enough to drive to their own appointments, they no longer need a pediatrician.

flower2

Thu, Dec 03 2020, 7:35 am

Pediatric

amother

Blush

Thu, Dec 03 2020, 7:43 am

My instinct for specialists in general is that if we're starting after age 16, go straight to adult. But the endocrine piece may be different for an adolescent than an adult. I'd ask the pediatrician for input and ask the potential doctors about it. Maybe look for a pediatric practice that has a lot of teens and young adults, and/or that works closely or in the same facility as an adult one.

amother

Burgundy

Thu, Dec 03 2020, 9:20 am

Whichever she prefers. Strictly speaking peds is up to age 18; some peds "fire" their patients when they turn 18 while others treat them for as long as the patients are willing to continue. At some point most young adults want to switch. When I started college my lab partner was this big six-foot-tall guy who said he still goes to his pediatrician. I almost disgraced myself laughing so hard. When I had kids the pediatrician said he also treats adults.

amother

Thu, Dec 03 2020, 1:30 pm

Thank you so much, ladies, for all your input.

amother

Powderblue

Thu, Dec 03 2020, 1:41 pm

My 19 year old DD still sees her pediatric endocrinologist (she has Hashimotos). He says he can see her till she has adult issues (like pg...)

Iymnok

Thu, Dec 03 2020, 1:42 pm

If you really like and trust your pediatrician, then stay.
When my brother was 22 he called our pediatrician for direction when he had serious issues. He got him into the best neuro-surgeon who eventually removed his brain tumor. He trusted our old pediatrician even though he was out of the practice for a few years already. We are all glad he did.

amother

Fri, Dec 04 2020, 2:07 pm

Thank you!

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