As you enter your teen years, you can start taking a bigger role in your own healthcare. It’s a great time to practice managing parts of your care while your parents or caregivers are still there to help and guide you. Little by little, you’ll build the skills you need to take full responsibility for your health in the future!

Let your voice be heard 

Here are some simple ways to build confidence and independence during doctor’s visits: 

• Write down your questions – Before your visit, talk with your parents or caregivers about any concerns. Writing down your questions can help you remember what to ask.
• Ask for time alone with your doctor – Try spending part of your appointment talking one-on-one with your doctor. This helps you practice asking questions and speaking up about your health.
• Speak up if you’re unsure – If something doesn’t make sense, ask your doctor to explain it again. Try repeating back what you heard to make sure you understand.
• Use a patient portal – If you feel nervous about asking questions in person, ask a parent to bring them up for you or send them through MyCHOP or another patient portal before your visit.
• Remember, your doctors want to help – Your doctor and healthcare team are there to support you. They want to hear your questions and concerns, and no question is ever too small or unimportant! 

Parents: Encouraging your child to take these small steps now will help them feel more confident using their voice in the future. 

Ask for more details about your medical condition 

As your knowledge of your health grows, you may have questions about your long-term outlook, your future care and how it may affect you as an adult. If needed, continue to practice talking about your condition with others, including your parents or caregivers, friends, teachers and coaches. 

Update and review your summary of important medical information 

Your summary of important medical information can also be a useful tool for discussing questions you may have about your medical history or what you can expect in the future. At this point, you can help your parent or caregiver update the notebook or shared document after your appointments. MyCHOP and/or other patient portals save after-visit summaries so you can review them later.  

Practice getting to your appointments on your own 

As you get older, you’ll need to find ways to get to your doctor’s appointments on your own. Here are some options to think about: 

• Learn how to use public transportation to reach your doctor’s office.
• Check out options like biking or using a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft if public transit isn’t available.
• Try using telehealth for certain appointments if your provider and insurance plan offer it.
• Make sure you have access to a device that supports telehealth visits and a private space to use it.
• Learn how to log into your patient portal to manage appointments and communicate with your doctor. 

Learn about your health insurance plan 

Now is the time to work with your parent or caregiver to understand your health insurance plan. You don’t need to know all the nitty-gritty details until you’re older, but you should know the basics of what insurance is, the name of your family’s insurer, why you need to have your insurance card and who in the family is the primary “subscriber.”  

Start taking more responsibility for your medications 

As you get older, it’s important to understand how to manage your medications. You might still need help, but here are some steps to help you build good habits: 

• Know which medications you should take – You should be familiar with the names, dosages and reasons for taking each of your medications.
• Practice taking your medications on your own – Try to accept more responsibility for taking your medications. You can use a chart or set alarms on your phone or watch to remind you when it’s time for your next dose.
• Keep track of your refills – Start noticing when you’re running low on your medication and learn how to request refills, sign up for automatic refills or pick them up from the pharmacy.
• Visit the pharmacy – Have a parent or caregiver go with you the first few times you visit the pharmacy, so you can learn how the process works and ask any questions. Then try going on your own.
• Know the rules of medication safety – Always follow your doctor’s instructions for safely taking your medication, and make sure you understand which of your medications can be taken together and which ones cannot.
• Ask the pharmacist – Pharmacists are a part of your healthcare team and can answer any questions about your medications. Don’t be afraid to ask. 

Stay safe with medication 

• Read medication labels – Check labels on both your prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications to make sure they are safe for you. A parent or caregiver should still double check.
• Never share medications – Even if it seems harmless, sharing or using someone else’s medication can be dangerous — and sometimes even illegal. That includes things like using a friend’s asthma inhaler or allergy pill.
• Be aware of medication mix ups – Some medications look or sound alike but can be very different. Always check before taking anything new.
• Know the risks of mixing medications – Taking multiple medications at once can cause unexpected interactions. If you're unsure, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs – Using street drugs or alcohol is always risky, but it can be even more dangerous when you’re taking prescription medications. 

Parents: Reinforcing these safety habits now will help your child make smart choices about their health in the future. 

Manage your allergies 

As you gain more independence and spend more time away from home and school, it’s important to take charge of managing your allergies, especially those related to food. Here’s how you can stay safe: 

• Learn more about your allergies and how to avoid triggers.
• Practice talking about your allergies with others, like friends, teachers and restaurant staff.
• Ask about ingredients and possible allergens when eating somewhere new.
• Be aware of your surroundings and recognize potential allergy risks in various places.
• Know what to do if you think you’ve been exposed to an allergen, including when and how to use emergency medication if needed. 

Parents: Encouraging your child to take precautions will help them feel more confident to stay safe while managing their allergies on their own. 

Have a “sick plan” for when you’re not with your parent or caregiver 

As you approach your teen years, you should be able to recognize warning symptoms of illness and know what to do and who to contact to get help.  

• If you have a phone, you can program your emergency contact information into your device to make it easier to contact a parent or caregiver quickly.
• You should also carry an emergency card or wear a piece of medical alert jewelry that contains the most critical information about your condition, like the medications you take, your allergies, emergency contacts and health insurance company.
• It’s also a good idea to program your medical information and a photo of your health insurance card into your phone’s emergency settings.  

Focus on healthy eating 

Go grocery shopping with your parents or caregivers so you can help select healthy options. If you’re on a limited diet, searching for interesting recipes — or creating your own — can make meals more exciting and less repetitive. 

Find support and community 

Connecting with others who understand your condition can help you feel more in control of your health. Here are some ways to find support: 

• Start exploring community resources like peer support programs, summer camps, books, videos or social media groups related to your condition.
• Learn from others who share similar experiences and can offer advice and encouragement.
• Ask your healthcare team for recommendations if you need help finding resources.
• Consider starting your own peer network if one doesn’t exist near you. 

Parents: Encouraging your child to connect with others facing similar challenges can provide valuable support beyond family and friends. 

A final note for parents 

Be prepared that at age 14, your child can consent to behavioral, substance use disorder, and reproductive treatment without parent consent.

As an older teen, you’re not quite ready to manage your healthcare completely on your own. But now is the time to start taking more responsibility and making some decisions about your health. 

Here are some key steps to work toward: 

• Understand that you’ll need to provide consent to release your medical records.
• Know that at 14, you can access mental health, substance use disorder services, sexual health and reproductive health services without your parent’s permission
• Start taking a more active role in conversations with your doctor and asking questions about your care. 

Speak up at appointments 

Doctors want to hear from you directly, not just from your parents. This is the time to start practicing self-advocacy by asking questions and making sure you understand your care. 

• Take the lead in conversations with your doctor instead of relying on a parent or caregiver.
• Have one-on-one time with your provider to discuss personal health topics like mental health and substance use.
• Start thinking about how your medical condition could impact adult responsibilities like driving, living independently or having children. 

Make sure you understand your medical condition 

As you get older, you’ll need to be able to explain your medical condition clearly to new doctors, school staff or even emergency responders. The more you understand about your health, the more confident you’ll feel in managing it. 

• Be able to explain your condition in both broad and detailed terms when needed.
• Practice talking about your medical history with a parent or caregiver if you feel unsure.
• Take charge of updating your medical log or patient portal (like MyCHOP). 

Know your healthcare providers 

Understanding who your doctors are and what they do will help you feel more in control of your care. At this age, you can also start handling your own appointments. 

• Memorize the names, specialties and contact info of your doctors.
• Start making your own appointments and asking your own questions. 

Plan for high school and beyond 

If you have an IEP or 504 plan, now is the time to make sure it reflects your needs for the future. Whether you plan to work, go to college or move out on your own, it’s important to be prepared. 

• Review your IEP or 504 plan to make sure it still fits your needs and includes goals for you to advocate for yourself.
• Research disability services at colleges or trade schools if you’ll need accommodation for your condition.
• Understand that "disability services" on campus can offer support in case your condition causes you to miss deadlines. (If you have a chronic illness, you may not identify yourself as having a disability. This is the word used on most college campuses to indicate extra support in case you have a flare up.) 

Prepare to make medical decisions at age 18 

Once you turn 18, you’ll be in charge of your healthcare decisions. You can start thinking ahead about how you want to handle important medical choices. 

• Learn about power of attorney and healthcare representatives in case you can’t make decisions for yourself.
• If you have a cognitive or developmental disability, discuss options to make long-term medical decisions with your parents or caregivers. 

Parents: You can refer to Disability Rights Pennsylvania’s Alternatives to Guardianship for Transition-Age Adults as a resource if your child with cognitive or developmental disabilities may still need assistance to make healthcare decisions after they turn 18. 

Prepare to move to adult care 

Before you turn 18, it’s important to start thinking about who will handle your medical care once you’re an adult. Finding the right adult healthcare providers ahead of time can make this transition much smoother. Your current healthcare team here at CHOP can provide some recommendations. You’ll need to make sure they accept your insurance (or the insurance you’ll have once you’re an adult). 

• Start discussing potential adult healthcare providers with your current healthcare team.
• Research providers who accept your insurance and meet your medical needs.
• Plan for this change before you turn 18 so it’s a smooth process. 

You’re 18 - officially an adult! This means you are now responsible for managing your own healthcare. This includes making appointments, understanding your insurance and transitioning from pediatric to adult care providers. But that doesn’t mean your parent or caregiver is completely out of the picture — if you choose to have them involved in your care, they can still be a partner, offering support and guidance when you need it.

Take charge of your healthcare decisions 

You are now the legal decision maker for your healthcare. That means you have full control over your medical information and choices. Here are a few things you should know:

• You are the only person who can access your medical records unless you give permission to a parent, caregiver, legal guardian or someone else you trust.
• You can decide how involved you want your parents or caregivers to be in your healthcare decisions — they can still offer support, but you are in charge.
• Consider setting up a healthcare power of attorney or naming a healthcare representative in case you’re ever unable to make medical decisions on your own.
• 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.

Communicate about your medical condition 

As an adult, you’ll need to be comfortable discussing your medical condition with different people in various situations. Whether it’s a brief summary or a detailed history, knowing how to explain your condition and any accommodation you need is important. 

• Be prepared to share a quick overview or a full explanation of your medical history, depending on the situation.
• Take ownership of your medical records, including past treatments and key details your parent or caregiver once managed.
• Decide who you want to inform about your condition, like friends, employers, teachers or Disability Services at school.
• Advocate for yourself by clearly communicating any accommodations or support you may need. 

Find the right adult healthcare providers 

As you transition out of pediatric care, you’ll need to find new doctors who treat adults. Whether you’re staying local or moving for school or work, it’s important to set up care with the right providers.

• Talk to your pediatric healthcare team about any ongoing medical needs and ask for recommendations for adult providers.  You can also ask to speak with a social worker on your healthcare team about in-network adult healthcare providers.
• Contact new providers yourself to schedule an appointment and establish care — some may offer an initial consultation or phone call to help you decide if they’re a good fit.
• Make sure any new providers accept your health insurance and are conveniently located.
• If you don’t feel comfortable with a provider after a visit, you can always switch to someone else who better meets your needs. 

Attend medical appointments on your own 

As an adult, you should be able to handle medical appointments independently. While parents or caregivers can still offer support, you’ll need to take the lead. 

• Schedule your own appointments and keep track of upcoming visits.
• Make sure you know how to get to your doctor’s office using your own transportation, whether that’s driving, public transit, biking or a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft.
• Check in at the front desk, complete any required paperwork and provide your insurance card.
• Speak directly with your healthcare provider about your concerns, symptoms and treatment plans.
• Take notes or use a patient portal to track valuable information from the visit. 

Decide what medical information you do and do not want to share 

As an adult, you have control over who has access to your medical information. Some health topics — like mental health, substance use or sexual health — might be private, and you have the right to keep them confidential.

• Laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protect the privacy of your medical information.
• You decide what health information, if any, you want to share with your parents or caregivers.
• You will need to sign a HIPPA release or other form to allow your healthcare providers to speak with a family member, friend or someone else about your care.
• If you prefer to keep certain topics private, you can let your doctor know and have one-on-one discussions during appointments.

Fully understand your health insurance 

Whether you’re still on your family’s health insurance plan or have your own, it’s important to always carry your insurance card and understand the basics of your plan. Know your co-pays, which services are covered and how to check if a new healthcare provider is in your insurance network. Being familiar with your plan will help you navigate healthcare more easily and avoid unexpected costs. 

Manage your medications 

It’s up to you to keep track of your medications, including when and how to take them, when refills are needed and how to order them in advance, so you don’t run out. Set reminders like phone alarms, or use a pill organizer to stay on schedule, and make sure you understand potential side effects or interactions with other medications, supplements or alcohol. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask your pharmacist or doctor for guidance. 

Manage your allergies 

At this point, you should know how to avoid your allergy triggers and be able to explain your allergies to others when needed. You should also be comfortable carrying and using emergency medications, like an EpiPen® or antihistamines, if you’re exposed to an allergen. Being proactive and prepared is key to managing your allergies effectively, especially when you're in new environments or situations. 

Recognize and respond to medical emergencies 

As an adult, you need to know when something is wrong and how to act quickly in a medical emergency. 

• Be able to recognize warning signs that you need urgent medical help.
• Know how to use emergency medications like an EpiPen® or a rescue inhaler.
• Have a plan for who to call in an emergency, whether it’s 911, a doctor or a trusted friend or family member.
• Keep important medical information easily accessible, like in your phone or on a medical ID bracelet. 

Access community resources 

Connecting with others who share your condition can provide a sense of support and understanding that friends and family can’t always offer. Look for community resources that can help you manage your health, like peer support groups or organizations for young adults with similar conditions. In addition to health-related support, you may find resources that assist with transportation, finances, job searching and even college scholarships — things that can help you navigate the challenges of young adulthood. 

Websites like Resource Connects, run by Aunt Bertha, Inc., can help.