In a continued effort to support teens with disabilities and their families during transitional years, Summit DD participated in the fall Transition Boot Camp. This session, Medical Transition 101, focused on sharing information to navigate the transition from pediatric to adult healthcare systems.
Parents had the opportunity to ask questions to doctors from a variety of medical centers, including the Cleveland Clinic, Akron Children’s Hospital, University Hospitals and Summa Health System. Parents shared concerns about barriers they experience in moving from a pediatric system to the adult care system. They also discussed some tips for parents/guardians to help prepare for their teen’s transition from pediatric care to adult health care.
Health Care Transition Support Tips for Your Teen:
- Start planning early. Look ahead. Don’t wait until your teen is almost 18 to start planning for the transition.
- Get organized. Make sure you have copies of medical records and they are up to date. Verify your insurance coverage. Look into release of information or other options before your teen turning 18.
- Establish a medical hub. Collaborate with the medical team and determine which provider will be the best coordinator of care.
- Talk to your teen. Assess their current knowledge of their medical condition(s) and health insurance. Begin to educate them and share information you feel would help them self-advocate.
- Encourage independence. Where appropriate, encourage you
Tips from the Medical Transition 101 presentation/Akron Children’s Hospital
For more information about transition support or to watch the entire presentation, please visit LiveSpecial.com.
Joins Us
Look for upcoming transition support and informational sessions at SummitDD.org/events.
