Growing up, your parent(s) or legal guardian likely helped you with your health care – they added you on their insurance, called for appointments, filled out forms, and kept track of medications. Now imagine those needs are your responsibility now – yikes! Transitioning to adult health care is a big step – just like going to college, getting your first adult job, or living on your own – transition requires preparation and self-advocacy. It’s never too early (or late) to ask your parent/caregiver or doctor questions about your health care needs!
Will I notice a difference in my care when I transition?
Transitioning your health care from a pediatric provider to an adult provider is exciting, yet a potentially nerve-wracking experience. However, always remember to be kind to yourself -you are learning a whole new responsibility and sometimes that can take time! You may find it helpful to begin independently managing your care around the age of 15-16 years old. That way, you will likely still have your parent(s) or guardian as well as your pediatric provider available to help guide you through becoming more independent. Create a plan with your parent(s) or guardian and your providers. Organize your care and ask questions, as this will help you begin navigating your transition to adult care. There are a lot of differences between pediatric and adult health care providers. However, as you begin the transition you’ll feel a change, but why? Well, when you’re a kid, your care involves the whole family — this is called child/family-centered care. When you transition to adult care, your care only involves you– this is called adult/patient-centered care.
Differences between Pediatric and Adult Health Care
Program Features | Pediatric Care | Adult Care |
Practice Approach | Family-centered; shared decision-making with parents | Patient-centered; shared decision-making with young adult |
Clinic Appointments |
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Patient Role in Health Care Needs |
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**With exception of patients with special needs where parents/caregivers may have legal guardianship or power of attorney for health care needs
Will anyone be able to help me coordinate my care?
In pediatric healthcare, there are a lot care coordination options, but in adult healthcare there are very few. You will have to learn how to independently coordinate your appointments and care.
How should I prepare for my transition?
You should begin expressing interest to your parent(s)/legal guardian and health care provider (HCP) about becoming more involved in your care. Typically this is recommended to begin between the ages of 15-16 years old. Remember it is OK to start small, ask questions, and even ask for help. Transitioning your care comes with a lot of new responsibilities and it may seem overwhelming, but you will do great!
Tips for transitioning care:
- Requesting alone time with your clinician to practice becoming more independent in discussing your health care needs.
- Make a list of questions or concerns that you would like to discuss with your doctor
- Ask your health care provider (HCP) to explain information you do not understand
- Learn how to call in a prescription refill to your local pharmacy
- Request your own insurance card
- Ask your parent(s)/guardian about your medical conditions:
1) What is it?
2) When did it start?
3) For epilepsy: what do my seizure look like? Triggers?
4) Medications and/or rescue medications and dosages
- Ask for help making a list of your medical history (conditions, surgeries, family medical history, vaccinations) and medications (types, how much/when, medication allergies). Take pictures of the medications or keep a list in your phone for reference.
- Explore the portal to help you access your health and contact information. As you get older, it’s helpful to practice understanding and reviewing medical tests that were performed.
- Keep your health care providers phone number somewhere it is easily accessible.
- Practice scheduling and canceling appointments
- Ask for recommendations of adult primary care providers and specialists.