Transitioning From Pediatric to Adult Care
How to Use This Guide
The goal of this guide is to help you and your parents prepare for your transition to an adult healthcare setting and responsibility for your own healthcare. If you make these preparations a few years, rather than a few months, before the time of transition, you won’t be overwhelmed when it’s finally time to move to an adult healthcare setting and manage all aspects of your pulmonary hypertension (PH), whether you are 18, 21, 25 years or older.
This guide offers suggestions as to what responsibilities you should take on for your own healthcare depending on your age. We’ve also provided forms that will help you gather all the information you will need to comfortably discuss your PH care with your healthcare team when you switch to an adult healthcare setting.
Because you may have been diagnosed with PH ten years ago, last year, last week, or anywhere in between, you will need to adapt this guide for your own situation. Talk with your parents and your healthcare team to determine how you might adapt these goals so they are right for you.
Explore the Guide
Why Transition?
Learn what the difference is between pediatric and adult PH care, why some teens transition to adult care and why some don’t. Read on
Preparing to Transition
- What is PH, how PH is diagnosed, and what happens if you are diagnosed with PH? Learn about PH
- Transitioning should begin early. Learn what steps you should aim for, whether you’re 12 or 18
- Use these downloadable forms to collect the information you need to know about your symptoms, medical history and treatment. Get started
- Medical care can be expensive. Learn about the insurance system and resources available to you
Next Steps for Young Adults
As you transition into your 20s, consider joining Generation Hope to connect with other young adults in their 20s and 30s. Get connected with other young adults living with PH
Newly Diagnosed?
If you were just diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension, there’s a lot for you and your family to learn. Explore our Newly Diagnosed section or request a free information packet