Healthcare Transition is the change from a PEDIATRIC model of care (parents and caregivers make most decisions) to an ADULT model of care (most adults make their own healthcare decisions).
Step 1: Start talking transition
Age 12-14
- Know the names of doctors and reasons
for seeing them. - Allow time for the youth patient to meet with the physician alone.
- Fill out a checklist to prepare for
adult healthcare.
Step 2: Be in the know
Age 15-17
- Youth, families, and doctor need to know youth’s
-
- unique medical needs
- communication style
- disability
- diagnosis
- Youth and family need to learn about privacy and consent before age 18.
Decisions need to be made before 18th birthday.
Step 3: Transition to Adult Care
18 & up
- Ask current doctor to recommend doctors who care for adults.
- Check on insurance coverage.
- Be sure medical records are sent to adult doctor(s).
Wisconsin Regional Centers for Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs
Resources
Wisconsin Resources
- Build Your Bridge – Training for families available through Wisconsin Regional Centers for Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs
- Bridging the Gap – conferences and for community groups
- Closing the Gap – Training and technical assistance for medical practices to develop & implement healthcare transition strategies
Got Transition & National Resources
- For Families – 5 Steps to prepare for Health Care Transition
- For Youth & Young Adults –
- For Parents & Caregivers –
- For Healthcare Providers –
- Learn about the Six Core Elements™. The Six Core Elements™ introduces a structured process to implementing youth to adult health transition for youth and young adults with and without special health care needs.
- American College of Physicians Condition-Specific Tools