Mom and dad, you’ve been making appointments with the pediatrician for years – eighteen of them – and suddenly, it’s time to transition your child from pediatric medicine to adult medicine! This transition has proven to be a challenge for parents and patients alike. The parent can no longer make the appointments and request medical information for the young adult and the young adult has never had to make his/her own appointments or track their own medical information, so now what?
I treat young adults ages 18 through 24 at Dothan Pediatric Subspecialty Clinic to help make the transition to adult medicine easier for parents and patients. Dothan Pediatric Subspecialty Clinic is part of the Dothan Pediatric Healthcare Network of clinics.
My team and I work alongside parents to help teach their young adult how to make their own appointments, how to know what insurance coverage they have, how to interpret what the doctor is saying, and how to feel comfortable asking their own questions. So, at age 24 when the patient MUST transfer to an adult medicine provider, he/she is prepared and ready.
Young Adult healthcare is much more than just going to the doctor. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has established comprehensive guidelines for the screening and assessment of important preventive health issues for young adults. In addition to treating sore throat, sinus infection, headache, nausea/vomiting, and the countless other acute symptoms that can jump upon a young adult, a confidential review of common concerns such as safety, substance abuse, sexual activity, self-esteem, and suicidal ideation stimulates open discussions and encourages a partnership with their doctor.
The adolescent team of Dothan Pediatric Subspecialty Clinic can provide a sense of trust and security at a time when your child’s needs for comprehensive services are greatest. It is our role to identify high-risk behaviors early, arrange for follow-up as indicated, and facilitate a smooth transition to an adult-oriented physician at an appropriate time.
Dothan Pediatric Subspecialty Clinic is located at 5565 Montgomery Highway on the corner of Montgomery Highway and John D. Odom Road (next to the state trooper’s office.) We see young adult patients Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. until
5:00 p.m. and on Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 12Noon. Appointments can be made by calling 334.699.3773.
