When did you stop taking your children to a pediatrician?

[Karista]

We've had the same doctor since they were all newborns and love him. However, as I was sitting in the waiting room yesterday with my DS14 for his sports physical, all the babies and toddlers made me feel out of place. I mentioned it to the doctor and he said it didn't matter, he would keep treating us until each child reaches 18. Anyhow, just curious what others have done. My son doesn't care either way, a doctor is a doctor to him!

 

[2tinksmom]

If your son is OK with it, I think you should stay with your pediatrician. We love ours and had been thru a couple before we found her. It's hard to find a good doctor who also knows your complete life history!!!!

 

[grinningghost]

I know what you mean. Last time I had DD14 into the pediatrician, I felt like the "Grandma" in there. Lots of very young moms with babies, and there's me. But I've decided to keep her with her doctor until she's 18, because they have all her records and know her history. Besides, she's a wonderful female doctor, and they can be hard to come by. DD says she would just die if she had to disrobe in front of a man doctor. I can't say I blame her.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Both sons went to the pediatrician til they went off to college. Our pediatrician played soccer on scholarship in college, and both DSs got a lot of soccer injuries in high school (that seems to be the only time they needed to see the doctor). Yes, they complained about being in the waiting room with the little ones, but I ignored it, because I thought he was the best doctor for them.

 

[DixieDreamer]

Good question! I have been wondering about this lately myself. I think I will stick with my pediatric care for DD (11) for at least a few more years.

 

[nativetxn]

Travis saw the same pediatrician until he started playing varsity foot ball. I think he was 15. He didn't seem to mind that he was seeing a pedi. The pediatrician didn't seem to care, either.

 

[CourtasanSatine]

I switched only when my allergys got too much and that was when I was 14(to a female allergist)

 

[BuzzMe]

My almost 20yr old daughter and 15 yr old son still go to the pediatricians they have been with since birth! I've asked them if they want to switch and they're not interested!

 

[delikado]

I stuck with my pediatrician till I left for college (I was 17), and it really didn't bother me. It was nice to go to someone who had all my medical records and knew all about my history. Plus, what other kind of doctor gives you a lollipop when you're done?! My then-pediatrician would sometimes tease me about getting a "grown-up doctor", but I don't think it was all that unusual for an 17-18 year old to show up at their office.

 

[jsmith]

my oldest DS leaves for college in two weeks and his last pediatricain visit was to get his immunizations for college. The office does a great job for sports physicals and injuries (he and DS 14 play football, basketball, baseball and run track and cross country between them) and the boys are comfortable there so I don't see any reason to change

 

[Lynn CC]

DS(16) will see his pediatrician until he goes off to college.

 

[Keli]

When Ashli was 10 years old I decided to find a good GP that we could all go to. It is nice to have one (very good) doctor to call no matter who is sick.

 

[phillybeth]

I could have stayed with my pediatrician until I was 21. Instead I left when I was about 14 and went to the family doctor that the rest of my family used. I loved my pediatrician, but I knew it was time to go when I was given my choice of the Froggy Room or the Ducky Room, and the rest room had a "potty' sign on the door and one of those itsy-bitsy little toilets. It was hard leaving, he had been my doctor since birth (not that I remember back that far

 

[Willowwind]

We see a "Family practice" doctor, for convienance. However, I personally saw my pediatrition until I was 18. He was great and he had a real rapor with my mom and me. Of course that was back when doctors spent more than 8 minutes with each person. I was sad when I couldn't see him any longer.
My sister on the other hand didn't like him, and changed to a GP when she was about 13.

Talk with your kids regarding how they feel about the doctor, and if they want to switch. If they don't mind, you shouldn't either.

 

[Talking Hands]

my DDs 25 and almost 21 still see a pediatrician. In fact, the 25 yo was there today to get some referrals. As long as she is still a college student he will keep her, even as a grad student.

 

[Kirby]

My children's pediatrician was mine also. I like going to a doctor that really "knows" your medical history. They still go to him because they need physicals for Scouts and sports.

I'll probably change soon though and take them to our Family doctor. Our pediatrician will see our son until he's 18 but he stops seeing girls once they start their period. I imagine that will be sometime in the next year. He has always had that rule since way back when I used to go to him.

 

[Eeyore2U]

DS decided when it was time to change. I think at 13 he was sick of the Disney Babies wallpaper. He goes to our Family Practitioner.