Up to what age does a paediatrician see children in Turkey? Which doctor do teenagers see?
Paediatricians in Turkey see children from 0 to 18. Which doctor teenagers aged 15–18 see, and paediatrician vs family doctor.
Short answer
Specialists in child health and diseases (paediatrics) see children and adolescents from birth until they turn 18. Teenagers can keep seeing a paediatrician until 18 if they wish, and many hospitals also have adolescent clinics. From age 18, patients move to adult departments (internal medicine, the family doctor and other specialties).
Specialties that treat children
| Department | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Child Health and Diseases (paediatrics) | General examinations from 0 to 18, growth and development, vaccinations, infections |
| Paediatric subspecialties | Paediatric cardiology, nephrology, endocrinology, neurology, allergy, gastroenterology, etc. |
| Paediatric Surgery | Conditions needing an operation, such as hernia, undescended testis and appendicitis |
| Child and Adolescent Psychiatry | ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression |
Paediatrician or family doctor?
Family doctors (aile hekimi) give babies and children their vaccinations and routine check-ups and treat common illnesses. A paediatrician’s assessment is recommended for children with a chronic illness, concerns about development or frequent illness.
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Frequently asked questions
Paediatrician or family doctor?
Family doctors (aile hekimi) give babies and children their vaccinations and routine check-ups and treat common illnesses. A paediatrician’s assessment is recommended for children with a chronic illness, concerns about development or frequent illness.
Can a 17-year-old go to internal medicine?
Practice varies between hospitals; young people under 18 are usually directed to paediatric clinics. In emergencies, the age-appropriate emergency department provides care.
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Sources
This content is based on information published by official bodies and on current Turkish legislation; rules and practice may change. Last updated: . To report an error: contact us.
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