Health care transition teaches you how to take charge of yourself in stages. It is a big change,
but we support you on your journey. We promise to take good care of you along the way. There are skills you will learn at each stage of the process. So, talk to us and ask questions.
The Transition
A pediatric provider specializes in kids. As you get older, you should change to a provider who specializes in adults. Some doctors can take care of kids and adults, so ask your provider about your needs.
Your medical records are sent to your adult provider. You will want to talk with your provider
about the process for transferring records. Your pediatric provider also includes a form that gives a “snapshot” of you. It also talks about your health care goals.
We ask you to set a goal to finish the transition sometime after your 18ᵗʰ birthday.
Questions To Ask
You are a partner in your health care and have the right to ask for what you want. If you are not sure about what you want, talk with your health care team. Below are some sample questions that you and your parents can ask to get started:
If I am in a family practice clinic, do I need to change providers?
Can you suggest an adult provider for me?
Can you help me with transition planning?
Do you have transition care plans that you use?
Changes
There are some legal changes that happen starting at ages 12, 14 and 18. Below are some of the changes that you may notice:
Your doctor may ask your parents to leave the room. This is so you can have a private and
sometimes confidential talk with your doctor.Your health insurance may change. This depends on whether you have insurance under your parents’ plan, or if you have your own insurance through Medicaid.
Legal rights for you and your parents change unless you take action. Ask your provider to learn more about these changes.
At home – your parents support and guide you as you learn about your health and skills to maintain your health.
Learn when and how to ask for help.
Learn how to tell others about your health condition(s)
Name the medicines you take and why you take them.
Talk about your medical history.
Learn about your family’s medical histories.
Independent Skills
In health care setting – health care team members teach you about your health and skills to
maintain your health.
Teen time alone in an office visit to ask questions and talk about concerns.
Learn to manage prescription refills.
Learn to schedule clinic visits.
Learn to discuss health management plan.
Create a written plan and timeline for your transition with your whole team.
Check your progress.
Learn to explain my health needs and feel comfortable asking questions when I do not understand what is said.
Know my allergies and my family medical history.
Know when and how to get emergency care.
Know where to get medical care when the doctor’s office is closed.
Carry important health information with me every day (e .g ., insurance card, emergency contact information).
Know that when I turn 18, I have full privacy in my health care.
Know at least one other person who will support me with my health needs.
Know how to find my doctor’s phone number,
Know how to make and cancel my own doctor appointments.
Have a way to get to my doctor’s office.
Know how to get a summary of my medical information (e .g ., online portal) .
Know how to fill out medical forms.
Know how to get a referral if I need it.
Know what health insurance I have and how to contact my health insurance provider.
Know what I need to do to keep my health insurance.
Know my own medicines.
Know when I need to take my medicines without someone telling me.
Know how to refill my medicines if I need to.