Westwood-Mansfield Pediatrics pledges to care for children and their families from birth through adulthood. To that end, we are able to treat young adults up to their 22nd birthday.
Turning 18 Years Old:
Once children turn 18 years old, they become legal adults. One consequence of this is that they are now in charge of all medical decision making (including consent for treatment and immunizations). Additionally, federal law states that it is the adult child gets to decide who we are allowed to share medical information with and who we are not.
As such, upon turning 18 years old, they will be provided with an Authorized Representative form in which they will have an opportunity to grant permission for us to share medical information with their parents. It is up to the young adult whether or not we have permission to speak with their parents or other individuals. If the patient does not fill out this form or if they choose to withhold this permission, we will be unable to share any medical information (including with parents).
Please note that this permission can be granted or retracted by the young adult patient at any time.
We believe that it is important for young adults to take responsibility for their health care. This includes scheduling their appointments, calling/e-messaging for refills of medication, and calling the office themselves when they are sick or have a question for our team. Encouraging young adults to do this is an important part of the transition process and one more area where parents can help their children become functioning and healthy adults.
Turning 22 Years Old:
At the 22-year-check-up, patients will be provided with a “graduation” letter that details the following:
- they will be unable to book a 23-year-old-check-up at Westwood-Mansfield Pediatrics
- they will have a 12 month “grace” period for sick visits, medication management (for asthma, ADHD, anxiety/depression, etc. . . )
- instructions about how to find an adult provider
It is an honor and privilege to care for our patients. Graduation to adulthood is always bittersweet – sad to see you go but happy to have served you along the way!