|
No, you can’t see a pediatrician forever. A time
will come when you change your care to an adult
physician. Moving away for college or a new job can bring that
transition faster, but whether at 18 or 21 it’s good to know what
to expect for the future. The most important point no matter where
or at what age you make your change: Get to know your new doctor
(doctors, even) while you’re well so you know what to do when you’re
sick. Make sure you answer the following:
-
Which hospital does
the doctor use?
-
Which hospital accepts your insurance?
-
How do you contact the doctor after office hours?
-
What number do you call for emergencies without hospitalization?
Because IBD is
chronic, finding the right adult gastroenterologist as soon as possible and starting
a long-term relationship is key to ensuring
the best individualized care.
When you have IBD
as a child,
your pediatric gastroenterologist, pediatrician, family practitioner or primary care physician
(PCP) is an important part of your health care team. As an adult,
your care will transfer to an adult gastroenterologist, a doctor who
specializes in internal medicine. These internal medicine
specialists receive extensive training in diseases of the digestive
tract, including Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis, and can be referred
to you by your pediatric doctors.
If you have questions or comments about
this Web site, please e-mail
LifeWithIBD@texaschildrenshospital.org.
 
|