All transitions are difficult. Adolescence is considered to be a tough period. So is the transition from adolescent healthcare to adult healthcare. Lot of care and guidance are required during that period, more so if they are suffering from any chronic condition. It becomes a challenge for the family physician /treating doctor.

Team@CMHF

A new clinical report provides detailed guidance to pediatricians, family physicians, and internists to support all adolescents, including those with special health care needs, as they transition to an adult model of health care.

The clinical report says, “All youth and young adults deserve seamless access to a primary care medical home and any necessary specialty care through all of life’s transitions. Having a medical home can provide stability during this time of change, and this report provides excellent guidance for family physicians and their care teams to help young people and their families follow a healthy path to adulthood.”

Ideally, children should transition to adult-oriented health care between the ages of 18 and 21 years. For adolescents seeing a pediatrician, the transition will involve choosing a new physician, transferring medical records, and communicating treatment histories and insurance information. Although adolescents seeing a family physician may stay in the same practice, they may still need to transfer specialty care to adult subspecialists.

Reference: http://www.thecypresstimes.com/article/MedicalHealth/Medical/HELPING_ADOLESCENTS_TRANSITION_TO_ADULT_HEALTH_CARE/47270