young Adults increasingly Opt for Adult Primary Care Doctors Before Age 21
SAVANNAH, GA – As young people transition into new phases of life, like heading off to college, many are also choosing to switch from pediatricians to adult primary care physicians before reaching the traditional age of 21. While pediatricians can continue care until a patient turns 21, a growing number are seeking medical care in a more mature habitat, according to local doctors.
“Maybe adulthood starts there for some people,” observed Savannah‘s Mason Riegner, reflecting on the experience of entering a new, independent stage of life.
SouthCoast Health pediatrician Dr. Micah Riegner notes that some patients begin considering the switch around ages 17 or 18. “Some patients around the age of 17 or 18 are tired of coming to the kid-friendly office and hearing babies in the background,” she said. “And they choose to transition earlier.”
The desire for a more adult setting and a greater sense of privacy are key factors driving this trend. Dr. Danielle Mankin,a Southcoast primary care physician,explained,”Usually,the child,the adolescent,feels more grown up. They just want to be in a more adult environment. Or they feel that they have more grown-up things they want to discuss with a doctor that they don’t feel pleasant talking about with their pediatrician. So, some people prefer to have a new person involved to discuss things like that.”
Despite the increasing preference for adult doctors, Dr.Micah Riegner recommends patients remain with their pediatrician until age 21. “I do recommend that they stay until 21,” she stated. “I think there are a lot of things we can offer. Typically when you’re in that age, yes you’re an adult, but you’re not an adulty adult. And so you still need a little bit of hand holding and guidance about things like nutrition or navigating college or navigating vaccinations like the annual flu shot. And typically, we certainly know them. If you’re a patient with chronic conditions, who knows you better than the doctor that’s seen you since birth?”
Cost and convenience also play a role, with some students utilizing campus clinics as an affordable alternative. Mason Riegner, 20, currently still sees his pediatrician, but acknowledges he’s in the minority. “I have a lot of friends that go to the clinic on their campus,” he said.”Its a lot more affordable and I guess than can count as an adult doctor.” He believes the decision largely comes down to personal preference, noting the deadline of age 21. “I think it really just depends on preference. But you have to do it by 21, so I’d suspect probably around when you graduate high school, which would be around 18.”
Dr. Riegner also recognizes that some adolescents may feel more comfortable discussing sensitive topics with a doctor who has no prior relationship with their family. “There is the comfort,” she said.”But sometimes they might not be as honest with me. When they move onto an adult doctor,I do think there might be a sense of,’hey,my parents have no connection here so maybe I can be more free to speak.’ I’d like to think they feel comfortable with me too. But I understand that sometimes they need to move on and talk about adult things with adult people.”
ultimately, Dr. Riegner views the transition as a natural part of her practice, often continuing care with the next generation. “And then when the time comes, I see their kid,” she said. “I have lots of grandpatients now that I have been practicing this long.”