When you think of a pediatrician in St. Paul, MN, you likely think of medical care for babies and young children. Many people think that once their children reach adolescence, they would be better off switching to an adult doctor. While there’s nothing wrong with this decision, there are good reasons to continue seeing a pediatrician through adolescence.
Continuity of Care
You start taking your child to a pediatrician in St. Paul, MN, as soon as they are born. This pediatrician will provide all the medical care your child needs as they grow and develop. As an adolescent, this continuity of care can be invaluable. They will be seeing a doctor who knows their medical history well and can guide them through this challenging stage of life.
Specialized Care
While any doctor will be able to provide suitable care for an adolescent, relying on a pediatrician in St. Paul, MN, ensures the doctor has received the required training to handle medical conditions for someone who isn’t fully grown. Sometimes, medical care for adolescents needs to be tailored to their size and stage of development more carefully than a regular doctor can do.
Confidentiality and Trust
As your child sees their pediatrician in St. Paul, MN, regularly throughout their childhood, chances are that by the time they reach adolescence, they have developed a sense of trust with their doctor. Remaining with the pediatrician for as long as possible allows your child to feel more comfortable getting the care they require. In many cases, adolescents can even attend these appointments without a parent present, helping them transition to managing their healthcare.
If you’re looking for a pediatrician in St. Paul, MN, who can care for your child until they reach adulthood, contact the Pediatric and Young Adult Medicine website to learn more about their team.