New Doctor, New Chapter: A Young Adult’s Guide to Primary Care

Entering adulthood can be overwhelming, introducing added freedom and new responsibilities alike. Alongside all the exciting new firsts, you’ll also find opportunities to care for yourself independently, which includes finding an excellent primary care provider (PCP) who aligns with your needs.

Whether you’re graduating from your pediatrician’s office or relocating to a new area, here are some considerations for finding the right doctor as a young adult.

When Is It Time to Switch Doctors?

Your pediatrician’s office might be a familiar place where you received everything from flu vaccines to your first stitches. But these doctors specialize in care for children and teens, and as you enter adulthood, a PCP will be better equipped to help with your evolving health needs, like chronic illness prevention and reproductive health.

Aside from aging out of your pediatrician’s care, here are other reasons you might need to switch from your current doctor:

Your current provider is no longer convenient due to factors like relocation or changes in insurance.
You have changing health needs that require the care of a different doctor.
You’re seeking a practice environment that supports your personal needs, such as certain office hours.

Finding the Right Adult Primary Care Provider

No matter why you’re looking for a new doctor, the process will feel more approachable when you break it down into steps:

Check with insurance. Your insurance company should have a list of in-network doctors on the website. Choosing an in-network provider will help you keep costs down, whether you need preventive care or treatment for an injury or illness.
Ask around. Once you know who’s in your network, ask friends, family members, or even your pediatrician for PCPs who are welcoming to young adult patients.
Look online. Reading through providers’ bios and office reviews will help you learn about any specialties they may have and how they interact with patients.
Call the office. If you have any questions before scheduling an appointment, don’t hesitate to reach out to your provider’s office ahead of time.

What to Expect at Your First Visit

During your initial appointment, expect to talk about your medical history, family health history, lifestyle habits, and any current concerns. This will help you build a relationship with a PCP who can support you with everything from mental health to unfamiliar physical symptoms. Consider bringing a list of questions so you feel prepared and remember to cover everything you’d like to discuss. And know that while adult doctors’ visits may feel a little awkward at first, in time, you’ll feel right at home.

Additional Tips: Managing Your Health as a Young Adult

As you continue to take ownership of your health throughout adulthood, here are a few areas to focus on:

Health insurance changes: If you’re aging out of a parent’s plan, look into coverage through your employer, a school-sponsored plan, or the healthcare marketplace. Don’t wait until you’re sick to figure this out, though—being uninsured can make even minor issues stressful (and costly).
Your medical history: Take some time to reflect on (or learn about) your personal and family health history. Make a list of past illnesses, surgeries, allergies, and current medications, and take note of any conditions that your relatives have had. Your new doctor will want to know these details when tailoring your care.
Establishing care early: Building a relationship with a PCP now will allow you to stay on top of your health trends, catch issues before they become serious, and feel supported through life changes. Preventative services like adult vaccines, screenings, cholesterol and blood pressure monitoring, and mental health check-ins are all part of your ongoing care.

Schedule an Appointment With a SouthCoast Health Provider

It’s normal to feel nervous with change, but patients of all ages are welcomed with open arms at SouthCoast Health. Our extensive network of primary care providers ensures there’s a doctor to suit every patient’s unique needs, and your questions or concerns will always be heard. Allow one of our providers to become your partner in health—request an appointment online today or by calling 912-691-3600.

Whether you are looking for a primary care doctor or a pediatrician, or another medical specialist, SouthCoast Health has you covered with its wide range of world-class healthcare services, available throughout the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry. Founded in 1996, SouthCoast Health has 120 physicians and medical professionals in 17 locations in Savannah, Richmond Hill, Pooler, Rincon, Baxley, Hilton Head, Hinesville, and Statesboro. SouthCoast Health offers comprehensive medical services including: Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Allergy and Asthma, Cardiology, Endocrinology, Eye Care, Imaging, Infectious Diseases, Nephrology, Neurology, Physical Therapy, Podiatry, Surgery, Clinical Trial Research Studies, Diabetic Self-Management Training Sessions, Dietetic Counseling, Laboratory Services, Massage Therapy, Optical Shop, Pharmacy, and Urgent Care.