Helping your teen transition to adult health care
As your child gets older, they will need to switch from a pediatrician to a doctor for adults.
The goal of this transition is to help teens learn how to manage their own health and use healthcare services independently. Parents and guardians play an important role in helping them prepare for this change.
To support this process, we offer a special section on our website with helpful information for teens: My Health, My Future: Making the Move to Adult Health Care.
Where to go for adult health care
For young women
Young women can continue to come to Airline Children & Women’s Health Center. Their medical records stay in the same system, and we can help them transition to one of our women’s health doctors.
For young men
Doctors at Denver Harbor Family Health Center, part of the Vecino Health Center system, will welcome young men to their practices. Their medical records will be in the same system.
If you prefer different options, other family and internal medicine providers are also in the area.
Understanding their medical history helps teens take charge of their health as they transition to adult care.
Learning to describe symptoms and ask for help is a key step in taking charge of their own health care.
FAQs: From pediatric to adult health care
Transitioning from a pediatrician to an adult doctor is an important step. Here are answers to common questions about how to support their teen through this period.
What's the difference between pediatric and adult care?
Pediatric care focuses on growth and development, while adult care helps manage long-term health, chronic conditions, and preventive care for adulthood. In adult care, your teen will take more responsibility for their own health decisions.
When will my child need switch from a pediatrician to a doctor for adults?
When teens are 18, they move from a pediatrician to an adult primary care provider.
Young women can start seeing a women’s health doctor at Airline Children & Women’s Health Center. Their medical records stay in the same system, making the transition smooth and ensuring they get care in a place they know and trust.
Denver Harbor Family Health Center doctors welcome young men referred by pediatricians at Airline Children & Women’s Health Center. Their medical records stay in the same system, which helps make the transition smooth. If you prefer different options, other family and internal medicine providers are also in the area.
How can I help my teen get ready to transition to a primary care doctor?
You can start when they are 14 or 15 by letting them take small steps—like talking to the doctor themselves, filling out forms, and keeping track of their medicine—while you guide them.
When they are 15 and 16, you can encourage them to make their own pediatric appointments and see the doctor alone for part of the visit to help them gain independence in managing their own health and health care.
What should my teen be able to do to manage their own care?
By adulthood, they should be able to schedule their own appointments, describe their symptoms, understand their medicines, and ask for help when needed.
What about health insurance?
Turning 18 can mean changes in health insurance coverage. Here’s what your teen needs to know:
- Check if they’re covered — Many young adults stay on a parent’s plan until age 26, but Medicaid, CHIP, or other coverage may change when they turn 18.
- Learn how to use insurance — Your teen should know how to find their member ID, check what’s covered, and call their insurance provider with questions.
- Be sure their new doctor is in-network — Not all doctors accept every insurance plan. We can help you check coverage at our clinic.
- Apply for new coverage if needed — If your teen needs insurance, they may qualify for Medicaid or a plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Our certified application counselors are always available to help and the service is free.
What if my child has special needs?
If your child has a health condition or disability, planning ahead is even more important. Talk to their doctor about finding an adult provider who understands their needs, keeping access to specialists, and checking insurance coverage. We can help guide you through this process.
