A Part of Growing Up
When your teenager turns 18, will he or she be ready to make health care-related decisions?
To ensure your teenager will be prepared to take charge of his or her health, the transition to a primary care physician may begin as early as age 13 or 14, depending on the teenager’s comfort level. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, however, teenagers with special needs may need to make this change a little later depending on their condition.
“While privacy laws require permission from the young adult for parents to be involved in their health care, parents should not have the impression that they have no role to play at all once their teenager turns 18,” says Donna Freiner, RNC, nurse for the Answer Line at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. “Parental involvement may still be needed, but it should be a joint venture so your son or daughter is included as much as possible.”
Getting Your Child Involved
A great way to help teenagers take more control of their health care is to encourage them to begin making their own appointments or refilling their prescriptions. For teenagers with chronic conditions, such as diabetes or asthma, it is important for them to understand their condition and how it affects their body, and to be able to communicate their concerns with a physician.
“Teenagers with chronic diseases may have to see their physicians more often than other teenagers,” says Lennell Jackson, MSW, social worker at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. “They should not only be able to clearly describe their symptoms, but know that it’s okay to ask questions and speak openly with their medical team about any concerns without relying on their parents to communicate this information for them.”
Higher Learning
College-bound teenagers may have to find health care away from home. After deciding on a college, parents and their teenager should look together for a conveniently located physician in case the teenager requires medical care.
Find out what hospitals are in the area and what kind of services they provide. Many colleges have on-campus clinics that offer basic health services and counseling, so be sure to locate this resource as you tour potential colleges.
Understanding Insurance
Thanks to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, young adults are now able to stay on their parents’ insurance plans until age 26. When searching for a primary care physician, make sure your young adult remembers to ask if your insurance is accepted by the physician to avoid any costs associated with out-of-network providers.
If you would like to learn more about helping your teenager transition to a primary care provider, talk with your child’s pediatrician or call 314.454.KIDS (5437) or toll-free 800.678.KIDS.
