Age limit of pediatrics

COMMITTEE ON PRACTICE AND AMBULATORY MEDICINE

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

318 Scopus citations

Abstract

Pediatrics is a multifaceted specialty that encompasses children's physical, psychosocial, developmental, and mental health. Pediatric care may begin periconceptionally and continues through gestation, infancy, childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood. Although adolescence and young adulthood are recognizable phases of life, an upper age limit is not easily demarcated and varies depending on the individual patient. The establishment of arbitrary age limits on pediatric care by health care providers should be discouraged. The decision to continue care with a pediatrician or pediatric medical or surgical subspecialist should be made solely by the patient (and family, when appropriate) and the physician and must take into account the physical and psychosocial needs of the patient and the abilities of the pediatric provider to meet these needs.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbere20172151
JournalPediatrics
Volume140
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2017
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health

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