Can an adult go to a pediatric doctor?

While doctors have to be certified to treat children, there are no rules for when a patient must switch to another doctor once the patient reaches adulthood. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommended, in 1938, that patients be no older than 18 years of age.

What is the age cut off for pediatrics?

21 years
The American Academy of Pediatrics has previously published a statement on the age limit of pediatrics in 1988, 3 which was reaffirmed in 2012 and identified the upper age limit as 21 years with a note that exceptions could be made when the pediatrician and family agree to an older age, particularly in the case of a …

How do you transition from a pediatrician to an adult doctor?

Moving from Pediatric to Adult Care: Finding a Doctor

1. Ask your current doctor for a referral.
2. Call your insurance company or check their website for a list of health care providers that are “in network.” (Providers that are “in network” have an agreement with your insurance company.
3. Check with your local support groups.

What is a doctor for adults called?

Internal medicine doctors, also called internists, care primarily for adults. Some internists also see children, but to do this, they must have dual training in both internal medicine and pediatrics. Internal medicine doctors specialize in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease in their adult patients.

Is 18 an Pediatric?

Pediatric age range is defined as ages 0-18 (birth to 18 years of age). Note, this definition does not imply that pediatricians may not provide services to individuals who are beyond 18 years of age (e.g., young adults).

Is 18 still a pediatric?

Kids become legal adults at age 18. Pediatricians are trained to care for kids and teens. Some still might provide care for a little longer if a young adult is in college (usually until college graduation or age 21). But this varies from doctor to doctor.

What doctor do I see after a pediatrician?

Depending on their circumstances, adolescents and young adults typically transition from a pediatrician to a primary care doctor between the ages of 18 and 21, Dr. Dagnew said.