Adult Patient Program
We are pleased to announce the creation of our Adult Patient Program, designed for our established patients, aged 18-21 years of age.
Moving from a "pediatric" model of care, where parents or guardians make most health decisions, to an "adult" model of care, where individuals make their own health choices, is not without challenges. Our goal is to allow parents and caregivers to support their young adults as they gain health literacy and skills in regards to making healthcare decisions for themselves.
When patients become 18 years old, by law, we are only able to discuss personal health information with family members with the young adults' consent. We respect that many of our young adult patients will choose to continue to involve their families in their health care decisions. Therefore, we have created this program to allow for that provision while encouraging our patients to take primary responsibility for their own healthcare.
Details about the program can be found here.
Adult patients that want to designate authorized representatives to act on their behalf in regards to appointments, medications, test results, medical information or advice, and billing should complete and return the following form:
In addition, adult patients have the opportunity to create their own Portal Account and will need to decide if parents or guardians who have access to the patient's chart will continue to be able to use the Portal for messaging purposes. The following form also should be completed and returned:
Beginning August 1, 2021, both of the above forms will need to be on file in order for any action to be take by anyone other than the patient upon turning 18 years of age. In addition, patients who wish to remain a part of the practice should schedule a complete wellness exam if they have not had one within the past year.
Please contact our office or your young adult's regular physician with questions. We look forward to having you continue with us in your medical home until the age of 21 years.