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Adolescence is a critical time for children as they begin to develop the skills they need to become independent , capable adults . In addition to learning important skills , such as time management and budgeting , young people should also learn how to manage their own health care .

“ Once they become adults , their health care providers will expect them to answer questions about their health and make decisions about their care ,” said Elizabeth Wohlford , a physician assistant at Washington Regional Shiloh Clinic in Springdale . “ There are steps parents can take to help their kids gradually and successfully transition to taking responsibility for their health care .”

Most kids can be introduced to their personal health care facts at around age 12 . “ A good place to start is by spending time together looking at your child ’ s medical records , either on a health care portal or with paper copies from their provider ,” Wohlford said . “ Talk with your child about any medicines they take and why they take them . Tell them if they are allergic to any medications and what the allergy symptoms might look like .”

As children get older , around age 14 or 15 , parents can also :

• Talk to them about their health history , including medical conditions , hospitalizations , surgeries and treatments

• Discuss the family ’ s medical history

• Share with them the contact information for their health care providers

• Prepare a list of their current medicines and dosages

• Show them how to get a prescription filled

• Encourage them to ask questions during medical visits and to be open and honest in answering health questions

• By age 17 :

• Make sure they have a primary care provider who sees adult patients ; this could be a family practice provider they currently see or a new provider , such as an internist

• Explain how their health insurance works , let them know when their coverage will expire and what they will need to do to get new coverage “ It may be more challenging for adolescents who have special needs or a chronic condition like asthma or diabetes to take on responsibilities for their health , so be sure to give them extra support as needed ,” Wohlford said . “ Show them how to order any supplies or equipment they may need .”

It is important for teens to become comfortable talking to their provider without having their parents in the room . Talk with your child ’ s current provider about when to begin doing this . Allowing teens the opportunity to discuss sensitive issues one-on-one with their providers helps them build strong relationships . Also , begin having relaxed conversations with your teen about health-related topics , such as mental health , relationships , pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections .

“ This will help build your teen ’ s confidence to talk openly with a provider ,” said Wohlford .

By age 18 , your young adult should understand their responsibilities and have some experience doing health-related tasks such as :

• Making their own medical appointments

“ This is easier if your child has had a chance to develop a trusted relationship with a provider ,” said Wohlford . “ Having a primary care provider that they see regularly for wellness visits as well as when they ’ re sick is helpful . A primary care provider will know

their medical history , medications and how family history may affect their health .”

• Preparing before their appointments

“ They can prepare by making a list of current medications , including over-thecounter drugs and any health changes since their last visit ,” said Wohlford . “ They can also make a list of questions they want to ask during their visit .”

• Understanding what their financial responsibility is and working within the guidelines of their health insurance “ This can be confusing , so let them know it ’ s okay to ask for help . Most health care providers have financial counselors who can discuss options for patients who need financial assistance , and hospitals have patient advocate departments to help navigate the complex health care system ,” Wohlford said .

• Keeping track of important health information , including their insurance card and contact information for their provider and pharmacy “ I also suggest they keep a paper copy of important personal health information – drug allergies , for instance – in their wallet or bag in case there ’ s an emergency ,” said Wohlford .

• Deciding who should have access to their health information “ Health care privacy laws limit who can see a person ’ s medical records ,” said Wohlford . “ After age 18 , written permission is needed for others – even parents – to see a patient ’ s medical records .”

Preparing a child to manage their health care is a gradual process , Wohlford said . “ Being patient , talking with them about what to expect and encouraging them to take an active role along the way will help them successfully transition to adult care .”

For more information about Washington Regional Shiloh Clinic or to make an appointment , visit www . wregional . com / shilohclinic .

OURHEALTHNWA . COM 6 APRIL 2025 | HEALTHY KIDS ISSUE