General Information for Transitioning to Adult Healthcare

General tips for transition and transfer of care from pediatric to adult medicine:

• Be patient. It will take some time for new doctors to get to know you or your adult child.
• Take charge of health and community service care. In adult systems, there are fewer supportive services. You will be expected to arrange the care that is needed.
• Advocate for the right care at the right time. Speak up at healthcare appointments. Make a list of questions for the provider, help make the medical plan, and let your provider know if there are any problems with following the plan.
• Make sure to discuss medicines that the new provider will need to take over prescribing. Update your pharmacy with the new contact information for medication refills.
• At your first appointment, ask about office policies, including:
  • How to request refills and to have paperwork completed
  • How to get help when the office is closed
  • Appointment policy, including cancellation or missed appointments. Be sure to call if you will be late for your appointment and cancel when you can’t make it.
• Once all adult healthcare is established, start using them as your go-to resources. Call the new offices with any questions or concerns, and seek emergency care in an adult hospital system.
• Prepare for the future. Learn about options for medical decision making: Alternatives to Guardianship for Transition Age Adults.

Quick tips for young adults to begin managing their care:

• Begin scheduling your own medical appointments.
• Learn your medicines and begin calling for refills and picking them up at the pharmacy. Ask your pharmacy about automatic refills or reminders when available to make this easier.
• Learn your medical information and history. You can use an app on your phone or the notes section to keep important information about your history and medicine list. You can also take pictures of medicine bottles, important forms, etc.
• Create a list of your healthcare providers' names and phone numbers as well as a list of emergency numbers and keep it on your phone or somewhere you can access easily.
• In addition to medical information, make sure you carry your state ID and insurance card with you.
• Sign up for the patient portal for your new providers so you can see upcoming appointments and communicate with your team.
• Ask your new providers if they have Care Everywhere and can access your CHOP records.

Find more detailed tips about preparing your child to understand and take ownership of their health and medical care. [Resource coming soon.]