We know that becoming an adult can be an exciting but stressful time full of many changes, and that leaving your Pediatric/ Adolescent care team can be difficult. We understand how important and meaningful the relationship with your provider can be, which is why a smooth transition of care process is essential. Please know that we are here to help you along the way.
As you develop from a teenager into an adult and take on more responsibilities, it is important to learn about the Transition of Care process. As a child, your parent or guardian was usually the decision maker when it came to your health care. As a teenager, you face more decisions in your health care and are allowed by law to seek some services confidentially. These are some of the first steps in taking responsibility for your care and can give you an idea of what to expect once you fully transition from pediatrics and adolescent healthcare to adulthood.
This guide was created with the intention to help support you through your Transition of Care journey. We hope you find this guide useful as you prepare to take the next steps in life.
Transition of Care: What do I need to know first?
What is Transition of Care?
Transition of Care is the process of preparing you for health care as an adult, which later on leads to the transfer from Pediatric/Adolescent Primary Care to Adult Primary Care. If you will become your own legal guardian at age 18, this process will mean learning how to manage your own health care needs.
Why is Transition of Care important?
The Transition of Care process exists to provide you with information and resources you may need to make the best choices for your health care. It is important to have a medical care team that can best help you at your current developmental stage. Pediatric/Adolescent Medicine providers are experts in caring for children and teenagers but may not be trained to care for adults. You will work together with your Pediatric/Adolescent Primary Care team to find an Adult Primary Care team, who are experts in providing care to adults.
How does the Transition of Care process begin?
The age at which this transition should happen may vary for everyone, but it is important that the transition process takes place over time rather than all in one visit. During this time, it would be ideal to start taking more responsibility for managing your own health care needs in small steps. Starting transition discussions early can help ensure care is not disrupted and provide a smooth transition of care from pediatrics to adulthood.
What happens with my healthcare when I turn 18?
Transition of Care discussions may start at different ages for different people, but below are some responsibilities that you will take on when you turn 18.* It is normal to feel nervous about these transitions, but remember that your care team will help you with this process.
- You become a legal adult, which means you are responsible for all decisions about your health care.
- Your care team should speak with you directly about your care plan and ask you for consent (permission) if you want them to also discuss it with a parent, family member or trusted person.
- You decide who will know about your health care. If you would like to share information with a parent, family member, school, employer, therapist or anyone else, you will sign a release of information form that describes what information you want to share and with whom. You can change your mind at any time.
- You are responsible for scheduling and keeping appointments.
- You will check yourself in for appointments and sign your own forms.
- Your care team will contact you directly with test or lab results and other communications.
- You will speak to your insurance plan if you have any questions or concerns. You will need to give permission if you’d like your insurance plan to speak to a parent or family member.
What does transitioning from Pediatric / Adolescent Primary Careto adult healthcare include?
This process is different for everybody and is done in collaboration with your Pediatric/Adolescent Primary Care team. If you become your own guardian, there will be a transfer of responsibilities from your guardian to you. This includes consenting to your own care, scheduling appointments, communicating with your providers, signing up for your MyChart patient portal, and requesting and picking up medication refills on your own.
How is Pediatric/Adolescent Primary Care different from Adult Primary Care?
There can be some differences between Pediatric/Adolescent Primary Care and Adult Primary Care, but this can vary depending on the practice. It is important to understand these possible differences so that you know what you may expect when you transition your care to Adult Primary Care.
| Pediatric/Adolescent Primary CarePractice | Adult Primary Care Practice | |
|---|---|---|
| Role of Primary Care Provider (PCP) | PCP will usually coordinate your care with specialists as needed for more focused care of some conditions. | PCP more typically manages some chronic conditions but may refer to specialists when needed. |
| Appointment Time | Appointments tend to be longer. There is usually more flexibility in seeing you if you are running late for your appointments. | Appointments tend to be shorter. You may be required to reschedule the appointment if you are more than 30 minutes late. |
| Resources | Practice may be more likely to have other support services including social work, care coordination and mental health. Your PCP may be more likely to provide sexual health care or other reproductive health care. | Practice may be less likely to have other support services including social work, care coordination and mental health. Your PCP may refer you to another provider for gynecologic or other reproductive health care. |
Primary Care Providers
A Primary Care Provider (PCP) is a healthcare professional who manages your overall health. They provide preventive care, diagnose and treat various conditions, and coordinate with specialists to ensure comprehensive care.
Who can choose my new primary care provider (PCP)?
Ultimately, you can decide who will be your new primary care provider (PCP). Once you identify a PCP, make your first appointment with them. Depending on your insurance, you may have to call beforehand to let your insurance know that you chose a new PCP. Your Pediatric/ Adolescent Primary CareMedicine care team is available to help with this process as needed.
How can I find a primary care provider?
- Ask relatives or friends for recommendations
- Contact your insurance company to get a list of in-network providers near you
- Ask your Pediatric/Adolescent Primary Care Medicine care team for recommendations You can also follow these steps to find a specialist with the help of your PCP.
Transition of Care Checklist:
Now that you understand the basics of transitioning care, let's review the steps you need for a smooth and effective transition. This checklist will guide you through each essential step.
- Learn your insurance information. You may need to ask or discuss with a parent or guardian.
- Update the phone number and email on file so your health care team can contact you directly about appointments and results.
- Save your health care provider’s contact information in your phone, so you know how to get in touch with your health care team.
- Familiarize yourself with your medical history, family medical history, medications, allergies and care team members. This is a process that may take some time.
- Sign up for MyChart, an online patient portal where you can easily access your medical information, review results and message your care team. Your parent’s access to your MyChart will end automatically once you turn 18, but you will have the option to allow them to view your information as a proxy if you choose. You can sign up for MyChart by visiting: epicmychart.nychhc.org/mychart
- Think about choosing a health care proxy, someone who you trust to make decisions for you if you are ever unable to do so yourself. One example of when this may happen is if you have surgery under anesthesia.
To learn more about health care proxies, visit New York State Health Care Proxy guide.
Transitioning from adolescent to adult care is a significant milestone in managing your health. It's a process that involves understanding your health care needs, finding the right primary care provider, and taking responsibility for your own well-being. By following the guidelines and utilizing the resources provided, you can ensure a smooth and successful transition. Remember, your health care team is here to support you every step of the way. Embrace this new chapter with confidence, knowing you are equipped to take charge of your health and future.
