happy + healthy healthcare
FROM PEDIATRICIAN TO PRIMARY PHYSICIAN
Finding a doctor is probably the last thing you have in mind while choosing your school and planning your move to college . It may not come up at all until you get sick that first time and start scrambling to find healthcare and figure out all of the paperwork that comes with visiting a new doctor ’ s office . And let ' s face it , no one wants to fill out pages upon pages of paperwork when they don ’ t feel well .
To help with this transition from your trusted doctor you ’ ve had all through childhood and high school to a new doctor in a new city , we asked Dr . Peily Soong , a pediatrician at Children ’ s of Alabama , for his advice !
When do students need to transition to a primary care physician ? Depending on if you are staying local for college or moving to a new location you would likely need to find a new doctor in your area . If you are staying local , you may be able to stay under your pediatrician ' s care a little longer than you may think !
Do pediatricians see patients over 18 ? This varies by practice , but most pediatricians will actually continue to see patients until they are 21 years of age . However , make sure you ask your pediatrician to be sure because some will stop seeing patients when they reach 18 years of age .
How can I find a primary doctor ? If you are staying local but your current pediatrician stops seeing patients at age 18 , you can ask them for recommendations for a primary physician in the area . If you are going out-of-state , Dr . Soong recommends that you stay under your pediatrician but also find a primary care doctor in your new location . Keeping your pediatrician will allow you to still have that doctor that you feel comfortable calling and asking for advice on your symptoms . Also , make sure the primary doctor you choose is covered under your insurance provider .
Will my medical records automatically transfer to the new office ? When transitioning to a new doctor ,
you will need to transfer your medical records . You will sign off on a medical release form at your current office , and they will fax over or electronically send over your medical records . It can sometimes take months for that to get transitioned over , so make sure you have a copy of vax / immunization records on file .
What do I need to bring to my first appointment ?
You will need your health insurance card , Driver ’ s License , any past medical records , immunization records , a list of current medications , and your co-pay . Since you are a new patient , you will have to fill out paperwork about your past medical history and provide your up-to-date information . So , before arriving at your first appointment , make sure you know about any allergies , past hospitalizations , ongoing diagnoses , etc .
What questions should I make sure to ask at my new office ?
What are your office hours ? Do you accept walk-ins or are you appointment only ? How far in advance do I need to set my appointments ? Do you do regular physical visits and primary check-ups ?
16 | Winter 2022 www . potentialmagazine . com