Healthy adults lead happier, longer and more active lives. And for that, they need adult healthcare providers. 

Leaving the care of your pediatric specialists may be difficult. But it's important that you begin this transition as you enter adolescence and complete it when you are in your early 20s. Here is a step-by-step list to help make this shift to adult care easier.

Lay the groundwork with your new providers

1. Discuss healthcare transitions with your pediatrician and pediatric specialists. Ask when they expect you to make the transition to adult providers and request their recommendations. 
2. Connect with doctors, friends and support professionals to identify potential adult primary care physicians and the right subspecialists. 
3. Interview with potential new doctors. Ask about their comfort level and willingness to work with adults with intellectual challenges. Make sure to ask what insurance providers they accept. 
4. Discuss expectations for adult healthcare, which should include counseling on nutrition and fitness, sexuality and relationships, drugs, alcohol and smoking, and mental wellness.
5. Identify mental health resources, counselors, religious leaders, family members and friends who could be available if you need them. 

Cover all the bases for insurance and medical records

1. Before you turn 18, contact your primary insurance provider to determine your ongoing eligibility. 
2. If medical assistance (MA) is needed, apply for it now, along with Supplemental Security Income (SSI), through your local social security office. 
3. Request that medical records, lab tests and subspecialist reports from the past two to three years be transferred from your pediatrician to the new physician. 
4. When a young adult turns 18, they have the legal right to make their own decisions.  However, some adults with disabilities are not able to make some or all their own decisions.  If you have a cognitive or developmental disability and need ongoing support with healthcare decisions, you can discuss long-term planning with your caregiver. Check out resources like Disability Rights Pennsylvania’s Alternatives to Guardianship for Transition-Age Adults to learn more about decision-making options.

Assemble the right tools

1. Use Your Patient Portal: Make sure you are able to continue to access your health information in MyCHOP. Sign up for any adult health system patient portals
2. Ask if your new doctor's office has access to your CHOP records via "Care Everywhere". If not, request a current medical summary from your pediatric providers to share with the adult practitioner. This should include your:
   • Current medications
   • Names of the specialists you work with
   • Treatments
   • Immunizations
   • Medical equipment
   • Home healthcare services
   • Ongoing therapies
3. Create and maintain a medical records binder that includes your:
   • Contact information for physicians and therapists 
   • Health history
   • Immunizations
   • Medications and reasons prescribed
   • Insurance information
   • Copies of insurance cards
   • An appointment calendar
4. Place these items in your wallet: 
   • Personal identification (ID) cards
   • Insurance cards for both private insurance and medical assistance
   • List of providers and contact numbers
   • Family contact numbers
   • Medical alert cards
5. Program in case of emergency (ICE) phone numbers into your cell phone. 

Learn medical self-advocacy skills

It is important for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to learn and participate in their care as much as they can based on their individual abilities. Some young adults may need support from a parent or trusted adult, ranging from supervision to full assistance. If more help is needed, reach out to an advocacy organization.

As much as possible:

• Have a basic understanding of your health issues and needs
• Be involved in making medical decisions
• Know the names of medications, why you take them and how to refill a prescription
• Call your doctor's office to schedule appointments and ask questions
• Speak directly with the physician at medical appointments. Ask for a written summary of the care plan.
• Learn how to use public transportation or paratransit services for your medical appointments.
• Advocate for medical care. Ask your county supports coordinator about a health advocate who can assist as needed