Transition to Adulthood for Young Adults with Dermatologic Conditions Program
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) Transition to Adulthood team for Chronic Dermatologic Conditions Program includes pediatric dermatologists, psychologists, social workers, and other healthcare providers. Together, we work to ensure a smooth transition from pediatric dermatology care to adult care.
Your clinical team will work closely with you and your family to prepare you for the eventual transition of care years in advance. Our goal is to empower each young adult patient to take increasing responsibility for their healthcare in a supportive environment. We will provide the tools and resources necessary to navigate the transfer of care process successfully.
CHOP Dermatology Transition Resources
Guidelines
The Dermatology Section is committed to helping our patients make a smooth transition from pediatric to adult healthcare. This process requires collaboration between patients, parents, and the healthcare team, starting in young adolescence with a goal of transfer of care by age 22.
We have identified several key areas for our patients to focus on when preparing for a successful transition:
- Early discussion of transition during office visits with your medical team.
- Taking an active role in medical decision making with your family and medical team and becoming an expert in your own medical history.
- Consideration of how being a young adult with a chronic illness can affect other areas of your life, including: applying for college, finding employment, use of alcohol and drugs, and sexuality.
- Familiarizing yourself with your health insurance and prescription medications and how to navigate these systems.
- Deciding with your medical team and family as to which adult specialist will be the best fit for your condition and geographic location.
Our division’s stepwise transition guidelines provide a more detailed framework for this process. View our guidelines.
We offer resources and videos about how best to transition care, preparing early, care binders, health insurance, growing up, college and employment, as well as real-world advice from young adults who’ve been in similar circumstances.