Adult or older patients policy
The years 18-25 are critical for our young adult patients who may not access care during this time, or are simply lost in the health care system. To ensure this does not happen, and to simplify and standardize the age limits for our patients across Akron Children’s, we have updated our Adult or Older Patients Policy. The years 18-25 are critical for our young adult patients who may not access care during this time, or are simply lost in the health care system. To ensure this does not happen, and to simplify and standardize the age limits for our patients across Akron Children’s, we have updated our Adult or Older Patients Policy.
- Care for NEW patients and referrals will be provided until the patient’s 21st birthday.
- Patients 21 years of age or older may be admitted up to their 26th birthday as long as a plan for transitioning them to adult care has been initiated.
- Ambulatory care may continue beyond age 26 for specific circumstances where Akron Children’s expertise is optimal for the patient.
Our policy also provides for exceptions beyond age 26 to best serve the needs of our patients and to continue to provide adult burn, cystic fibrosis, congenital heart disease and maternal fetal care. Other exceptions include employees seeking care through employee health or other diagnostic and therapeutic services, and those who we agree to treat through collegiate or university contracts.
While we have standardized the age limits as much as possible, we are bound by laws regarding behavioral health and emergency care. Dental care patients will be seen up to age 15, unless there are special circumstances.
