Transferring to adult care

Transferring to an adult doctor is one of the final steps in health care transition. Talk with your pediatric health care team at Children's Health℠ about when this transfer will happen. There are some cases when your primary or specialty health care team may stay the same and continue to provide care into adulthood.

• Finding an adult doctor

  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.

• Scheduling a visit with a new adult doctor

  Below are steps to help you schedule an 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.

• Attending your first adult 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.

Visit our Education and Tools page for more information on transitioning to adult care