Transitions:
Getting Older and Changing Health Care Providers
What are transitions?
Transitions are times when changes in your life occur. Moving toward adulthood is a time of major transitions.
This can mean:
- Taking on new challenges
- Doing more things on your own
- Having more choices
- Gaining a new sense of freedom and independence
- Taking on more responsibility
Getting older means your health care needs may change too. So the late teen years are a good time to begin to start thinking what health care for adults is all about.
Eventually, you will need adult centered care that can focus on meeting the variety of needs adults have. The people who know you at your health care facility will help you when the time comes to transfer care to adult health care providers. They want to make sure you are getting the services and treatment that are best for you.
Tips for taking steps toward your health care transition:
- Start early - Plan ahead!
- Know how to explain your health care needs. Make a list of all the things you need to keep yourself healthy.
- Keep a record of your appointments, important medical history, phone numbers of doctors and your medications.
- Begin to make your own medical appointments.
- Write down questions for your health care provider before your visit.
- Spend time alone with your health care provider to discuss your health concerns.
- Learn about your health insurance and health care finances.
- Talk to your pediatric health care provider about when is a good time for you to transfer your care.
- See your primary health care provider on a regular basis to help you stay healthy. Meet adult providers before you begin your transitions.
- Be strong! Ask questions! Be part of the plan!
Who can help me plan my transition?
- Your health care provider
- Your social worker or clinic nurse
- The transition nurse coordinator
- Your parents
- A friend who has been through the same process
When should I transfer care?
- When my medical needs are better served in an adult setting.
- When you and your health care provider decide the time is right.
How do I pick a new health care provider?
- Ask your current health care provider for ideas.
- Ask a person who has been through the process.
Things to remember:
- Your current health care provider is there to help you with your transition and transfer of care.
- Meet with your new health care provider to see if it is a good match.
- Transitions need lots of planning.
- Transitions are a part of growing up. They can be fun, exciting and rewarding.
Written by the CYWH and YMH Staff at Children's Hospital Boston
Updated: 1/27/2010
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