Transferring to adult care

As you prepare to transition to adult care, it is important to find an adult doctor who will accept your health insurance plan.

• There are three ways to find this adult doctor:

  • Ask your current doctor for a list of adult doctors in your area.

  • Search your health insurance plan website or app.

  • Call your health insurance plan.

• Things to consider when choosing an adult doctor:

  • Where is the doctor located? Is there more than one location?

  • Does transportation need to be scheduled?

  • What hospital would your doctor send you to if you got sick? Is this hospital in-network?

  • Are labs and x-rays done in the doctor office, or somewhere else?

  • How long is the wait for an visit?

  • If you get sick, how quickly can you schedule an visit?

  • What is policy for canceling an visit or missing an visit?

  • Will you always see the same doctor?

  • How much will you pay out-of-pocket for the doctor to see you?

  • Does your current doctor have a list of adult doctors in your area that treat your medical condition? If you receive a list, you will still need to contact your insurance plan to make sure the doctors on the list are accepting new patients and accept your insurance plan.

  • Can you bring a list of in-network adult doctors to your current doctor? Will your current doctor make a referral to a new doctor on the list?

• Once you have chosen an adult doctor:

  • Call this doctor’s office and make sure your insurance is accepted and that they are accepting new patients.

  • Let your current doctor know who you have chosen.

  • Ask your current doctor to make a referral to your new adult doctor. This referral includes a copy of your medical record with your medical history, current medicines, and labs.

  • Ask your current doctor to contact your new adult medical team and get them ready to see you at your first adult visit.

Below are steps to help you schedule a visit with your new adult doctor.

• Schedule and attend your last visit with your pediatric doctor. At this visit:

  • Confirm a referral was sent to your new adult doctor.

  • Ask for a copy of your medical summary.

  • Make sure medication are filled to last you until you see your new adult doctor.

• Schedule visit with your new adult doctor. When scheduling this visit:

  • Ask your pediatric health care team if you will need to call and schedule an visit with your new adult doctor or if can help you schedule.

  • Make sure your health insurance is accepted and ask how much you will need to pay the day of your visit.

  • Make note of day and time of your visit.

Below are steps to help you prepare for and know what to expect at your first visit with your adult doctor.

• A week before your visit:

  • Confirm your visit by calling the doctor’s office or checking patient portal. You may also get a phone call, text message, or letter in the mail.

  • Know where you are going include name of building, floor, room number, clinic and doctor’s name.

  • Know what you need to take with you. This may include insurance card, ID card, payment, pharmacy contact information, medicines, and medical decision-making document.

• At your visit:

  • Arrive 10-15 minutes before your visit time and check-in at the clinic.

  • Bring your health insurance card and ID with you. Sign and complete paperwork for registration.

  • During visit talk to medical team about medical history, diagnosis and medical condition, and current medicines. Ask questions, get printed education, and take notes.

• After your visit:

  • Pick up your medications or refills.

  • Call your doctor office or check your patient portal for test results.

  • Schedule your follow up visits, if needed.

  • Contact your adult medical team if you have more questions.